4N 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



3S55B§5§ 



THE 



iROfl pUHTfllJl floUTE 



WITH ITS LINES AND BRANCHES REACHES 



The Great Timber Districts, 

The Valuable Mineral Deposits, 
The Incomparable Fruit Lands, 

The Fine Grazing Territory, 

The Broad Corn and Cotton Fields, 

The Cheap Railway, 



-AND — 



GOVERNMENT LANDS OF 

ARKANSAS. 



Q DAILY TRAINS 3 



FROM ST. LOUIS. 



STATISTICS AND INFORMATION 

SHOWING THE 

Agriealtaral and J/Iineral 

RESOURCES. 

THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESSFUL 



Stock m^> f ruit Raising, 

/TlaQufaeturii^, /T\ii?i9$ apd lufflberii^, 

THE ADVANTAGES OF 

SOIL AND CLIMATE, AND NOTES ON SCENERY, 

GAME, FISH AND HEALTH AND PLEASURE 

RESORTS OF THIS GREAT STATE* 

@@<§)©<3)@©§©@©@)@§> 

WITH COMPLIMENTS OF THE * 




Passenger Depart 

/ < °" ~> 



Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1888, by 

H. C. Townsend, General Passenger Agent Missouri Pacific Railway, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 






edi©Gtj;iorp. 



^2T0 those who desire a good, cheap home, with a fertile soil 

and genial climate, where water and timber are abundant, 
and all kinds of grain, fruits and vegetables grow in profusion, 
with all the advantages of churches, schools and society: 

To those who have tilled the rock-ribbed hillsides of New 
England in a vain attempt to pay the farm mortgage and ob- 
tain a home of their own, and have seen the profits of the short 
summers eaten up to maintain the stock through the long, 
cold winters ; where the smallest savings are made only by the 
severest toil and closest economy : 

To those who are struggling to make both ends meet by 
renting the worn-out farms of the middle Northern States, and 
who yearly see their scanty harvests go to pay rents, with 
scarcely enough left to clothe the farmer's family : 

To those who are tired of the blizzard-swept regions of the 
Northwest, and desire a milder and more congenial climate 
where the soil is as productive, where the winters are short and 
mild, where the problem of obtaining fuel and timber is not 
encountered : 

To the capitalist who desires to invest his money in safe, 
sure and profitable enterprises, where mines of all kinds are 
awaiting development, where superior advantages are offered to 



all lines of manufacturing, unsurpassed water power, cheap 
coal and timber, and the control of the Southwestern market : 

To all who are honest and willing to work and who desire 
to get along in the world — to the man with capital, to the man 
with muscle, to the farmer, to the merchant, to the stock 
raiser, to the fruit grower, to the miller, to the mechanic, to the 
lumberman, to the school teacher, to the clerk, to the laboring 
man, to the health and pleasure seeker and the sportsman — 
to all who wish to obtain a good home, wealth, happiness 
and comfort: — 

This Pamphlet on the Resources of Arkansas is dedicated. 




ARKANSAS. 



/"\KKANSAS is located in the milder portion of the Mississippi 
r^| Valley and has an area of 52,198 square miles, or 33,406,720 acres. 
* Owing to the difference in the elevation of the various portions 

of the State 
and its south- 
ern location, a 
greater vari- 
ety of pro ducts 
areraisedthan 
in any other of 
the States. In 
the southern 
section, semi- 
tropical fruits 
and plants are 
grown in great 
variety, and 
the products 
of the North- 
ern States are 
successfully 
grown in all 
sections. The 
surface of the 
State is level 
in the east, 
gradually be- 
coming more 
elevated to- 
ward the westwar 

greatest elevation being reached in' 
the Ozark Mountains which are in the western part. The surface of the 
State presents a pleasing variety of hill, plain, prairie, woodland, valley 




C, ARKANSAS. 

ami stream. Perhaps no State in the country is better adapted by 
nature to all the industries and varieties of living from the land than 
Arkansas. The rich valleys are capable of producing cotton, corn, 
wheat, oats, and all varieties of grain. The genial warmth cf the 
climate and rich soil make fruit raising one of the most successful and 
agreeable occupations. The magnificent apples grown in the State 
have taken the prizes at all the National pomological exhibits of re- 
cent years. As a peach growing State Arkansas is equal to Delaware. 
Its peach products have already made St. Louis the earliest and cheapest 
peach market in the country. The small fruits— cherries, berries, and 
all others — are grown with surprising ease and si c^ess. Stock raising, 
for obvious reasons, is one of the most successful, and can be made 
one of the great industries of the State. The uplands and hill 
country make most excellent grazing, and water, the important feature 
of stock raising, is abundant everywhere. This, in addition to the short 
winters, during which very little feeding is necessary, the proximity to 
markets, shipping facilities, and cheap lands, makes stock raising one 
of the most desirable industries that can be engaged in. Unlimited 
opportunities for the investment of capital in mines of iron, man- 
ganese, antimony, kaolin, zinc, copper, lead, gypsum, coal, granite, 
silver and gold are offered. The water power of Arkansas is unsur- 
passed. The streams can be dotted with saw mills and flouring mills, 
and why should they not be with cotton mills? Here is an opportunity 
for live capitalists. 



ARKANSAS COMMERCIALLY CONSIDERED. 



JN point of commercial advantages Arkansas is second to no State in 
the Union for internal trade. Three trunk lines of railroad traverse 
the State from north to south, all centering in St. Louis, thus putting 
all sections of the State in direct communication with the great commer- 
cial center of the Mississippi Valley. The Iron Mountain Route, with its 
branches, traverses the State diagonally through the center and drains, 
by means of the Little Rock, Mississippi River & Texas, and the Lit- 
tle Rock & Fort Smith divisions, the Arkansas River Valley from the 



ARKANSAS. 7 

Indian Territory to the Mississippi river. The Cotton Belt Route car- 
ries the commerce of the eastern section of the State, and the St. Louis 
& San Francisco furnishes an outlet for the western part. All these 
roads penetrate, with their connections, the State of Texas to the Gulf, 
furnishing an outlet to the southward for the surplus of the State. Nu- 
merous smaller lines and branches intersect the State in all directions, 
placing the larger cities in communication with each other and acting 
as feeders for the commerce of the main lines. 

Very few of the States are provided with a system of navigable rivers 
as a factor in internal trade. In contrast, Arkansas has over 
3,000 miles of water available for commercial purposes, which 
forms almost a complete system of river communication. The Missis- 
sippi river washes the eastern boundary about five hundred miles in 
length ; the Arkansas river flowing by Little Rock, the capital, and 
navigable for 500 miles; the Red river in the south,' 300 miles; the St. 
Francis, the White and Black rivers, and several others, aggregating 
3,250 miles of water available for steamboats, and about 500 additional 
miles for barges and rafts. New lines of railroad have been projected 
and surveyed. The tide of emigration, as evinced b„v inquiries, is clearly 
turning toward Arkansas. Railroads are anticipating the movement to 
make extensions wherever available. 



CLIMATE AND HEALTH 



npflHE first question asked in considering a change of residence to a 
J® distant State is, "What is the climate, and how will my health be 
affected by the change?" etc., etc. 

The climate of Arkansas is, in comparison with our northern cli- 
mates, decidedly mild, and yet presents a greater diversity of tempera- 
ture at any given time than any equal area of country. This is owing 
to the diversity of elevation and the many sheltered valleys. The sea- 
son in the southeast is three weeks in advance of that of the northern 
part of the State. The rainfall is abundant, but days of sunshine largely 
predominate. The extreme heat of the South and the intense cold of 



6 ARKANSAS. 

the North are never known. The mountain range on the west shelters 
the State from the blizzards that sweep the northern country, and the 
cold waves of the Northwest, called northers. The seasons of seed-time 
and harvest are long and the period of winter is short and mild. Out- 
door work can go on during the whole year. Stock live, for the most 
part, on the ranges during the winter months. 

The following statistics taken from the United States Signal Service 
and weather reports, give a general idea of the climate : 

Rainfall for 18S7 in inches 46.33 

Temperature highest, August 97.8 

Temperature lowest ahove zero, January 7.6 

Temperature average for 1887 5S.7 

Thus it will be seen that neither extremes of heat or cold are reached 
in Arkansas, and that drought, which frequently injures the crops of 
the West and South, can never seriously affect those of Arkansas. At Lit- 
tle Rock the mean temperature forthe months of June, July and August 
was several degrees lower than that of Saratoga, N. Y. "Wisconsin, dur- 
ing the same months, was subjected to greater extremes of heat than Ar- 
kansas. United States statistics disclose the fact that the mortality rate 
at Little Rock is less than at any other military post in the Union. On 
the uplands and in the hilly and mountainous districts Arkansas is ex- 
ceptionally healthy, and people afflicted with rheumatism, catarrh, 
bronchial and pulmonary troubles, are always relieved and frequently 
permanently cured by a residence in Arkansas. Pneumonia prevails 
but very little and fatal cases are rare. While it is true that malaria is 
prevalent in the districts lying in the river bottoms where the timber is 
heavy and all vegetation rank, yet it is no more true of Arkansas than 
of any other portions of the country with similar regions of dense veg- 
etation and uncultivated soil. When the land is cleared up and brought 
under cultivation for a few years these influences disappear and the low 
lands of Arkansas become as healthy as the high lands, which are en- 
tirely free from malaria and challenge comparison for health with those 
of any part of the globe. 

The long, warm, genial season is of great advantage to the farmers. 
In the North, the season being so short, as soon as the deep frost is out 
of the ground every energy must be bent, and the greatest possible 
amount of labor brought into requisition, in order that the crops may be 
planted in time to mature before the short season is passed. Thereby a 
great deal of extra expense is incurred which the farmer of Arkansas is 



ABKANSAS. 9 

not subject to. The plow in Arkansas may be kept going every month 
in the year. There need be no rush at seed time. The soil may be 
prepared easily, thoroughly and without haste for the planting, which 
takes place in February for the earlier crops, and the others in March. 
In addition to the general health of Arkansas, mineral springs are 
found at various points throughout the State, to which thousands make 
pilgrimages every year, not only from our own country, but their fame 
and healing powers have gone forth to all quarters of the world. Na- 
ture has added to her sunny, genial climate her own healing draughts. 
These springs and health resorts will be treated at greater length under 
a separate heading on another page of this pamphlet. 



PHYSICAL FEATURES AND SOIL. 



ANY mistaken ideas have gone abroad in regard to the topogra- 
phy of Arkansas. It is popularly supposed by those ignorant of 
the State, to be a low-lying, swampy country, crossed by slug- 
gish rivers, and breathing forth malarial poisons. This impression has 
been spread by persons who have seen that part of the State lying along 
the Mississippi river, or from some of the first railroads built through 
the State. These latter, to avoid the expense of heavy grading and 
deep cuts, were constructed through the creek and river bottoms and 
the lower lands of the State. Depending on his observation from 
such a standpoint, the traveler would be apt to obtain a somewhat 
erroneous impression of the State. 

Only about one-fourth of the lands of the whole State are level ; the 
other three-fourths are rolling, hilly or mountainous. The altitude of 
the State varies from 200 to 1,500 feet, and some of the highest moun- 
tains reach an elevation of 2,500 feet. The low lands are found mostly 
in the eastern portion of the State along the Mississippi river. It grad- 
ually rises toward the west, in rolling country, becoming more hilly 
and elevated until the greatest height is reached in the Ozark Moun- 
tains in the Avest. 



10 



ARKANSAS. 



The rivers of the State intersect the mountains and hills at nearly 
right angles and flow in a southeasterly direction into the Mississippi. 
These, with their tributaries, give a large area of rich bottom lands un- 
surpassed in productiveness and, unlike the low lands of the Missis- 
sippi, they are elevated and dry and capable of yielding the richest har- 
vests as soon as cleared and brought under the plow. 

In the mountain sections the scenery is beautiful, frequently approach- 
ing the grand, and always interesting. The State, in respect to its 
water courses, is divided into the 
Mississippi Valley, or lands on the 
east, the wide valley of the Ar- 
kansas running through the center 
of the State, 
the Ouachita 
in the south- 
east, and the 
Ked River 
Valley in the 
south. 

The allu- 
vial lands 
are found in 
thevalleysof 
the numer- 
ous rivers of 
the State and 
these bot- 
toms are of- 
ten miles in 
width and 
are the most 
productive 

in the world. In some instances it has been cultivated for forty years 
with the same crop, and is still yielding remunerative returns without 
the aid of fertilizers. Near the streams the soil is usually a gray saady 
loam, becoming a red or black stiff land as it recedes from the streams, 
and light gray in color as the hills are approached. This land has 
great durability and productiveness, and is covered with a heavy 
growth of timber composed of gums, burr oak, white oak, elder, ash 




A RURAL SCENE 



ARKANSAS. 



.11 



and white hickory, Spanish and post oak, dogwood, red and white 
elm, ash, etc. When cleared they are capable of producing, in 
great luxuriance and abundance, corn, cotton, oats, clover, timothy, 
red-top millet, grapes, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, etc. 

The rolling and hilly lands comprise about one-half the whole area of 
the State. These are to be found all over the State, but He principally 
south and east of the mountain ranges. The soil is light gray in color, 




A COUNTRY PORD 



loose, sandy, easily cultivated and very productive. Pears, grapes, 
plums, strawberries, peaches, potatoes, both sweet and Irish, rye, oats, 
cotton and corn are produced on this soil in abundance. 



AGRICULTURE. 



ITS PRESENT CONDITION AND FUTURE OUTLOOK. 



"^TO State has better farming hinds than Arkansas. No State, with 
\w\ all the advantages of schools, churches society, railroads, and 
close connection with the centers of commerce and population, can offer 
such a high order of farming lands so cheaply and on such reasonable 
terms. 

The following statistics we le compiled for the report and use of the 
Arkansas State Board of Emigration, and are useful in showing the 
present status of agriculture in Arkansas, and the cheering prospects 
for the future : 

No. acres in the State 33,500.000 

No. acres of timber land 19,000,000 

No. acres under cultivation 5.000,000 

No. acres adapted to fruit growing 10,000,000 

No. acres government land 5.000,000 

No. acres State land 2,000,000 

No. acres coal land 2,500,000 

No. acres iron ore lands 1.500.000 

No. acres prairie lands 1 800,000 

By the above it will be seen that only 5,000,000 of the 33,500,000 
of acres of land in the State are under cultivation; that there are 
still in the State subject to pre-emption and homestead entry 7,000,000 
acres. 

Apropos of the above the following table reveals some interesting and 
surprising facts. It shows the comparative values of the farms and 
their products in some of the leading agricultural States : 



California 
Arkansas . 

Nebraska .. 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Minnesota 
Mississippi 



VALUE OF 
FARMS. 



$262,051,282 
74,249,655 

105,932.541 
507,430,227 
235,178,631 
193,724,260 
275,633,307 



LIVE STOCK. 



$35,500,417 
20,472,425 

33,440,265 

124,715,103 

60.907,149 

31,904,821 

95.785,282 



PRODUCTS. 



59 721.215 
43,796,261 

31,708,914 
36,103.073 
52,240,561 
49,468,967 
95,912,660 



ARKANSAS. 13 

It will be seen by these figures that the value of the farms of Arkansas 
is the least of any of the States enumerated, varying from 50 to 700 per 
cent less; that the total value of farm products is about the average of 
the seven States, some of them being the richest agricultural States in 
the country ; that the percentage of products to value of farms in Ar- 
kansas is from 50 to 800 per cent greater than that of the other seven 
States. When it is taken into consideration that only 5,000,000 acres of 
Arkansas' total of 33,000,000 acres are under cultivation, the total prod- 
uct of nearly $44,000,000 reveals an interesting and startling fact ; and it 
would be well for those who are searching for a location where a home 
may be obtained quickly and cheaply and where toil receives its greatest 
remuneration, to stick a pin here and bear this fact in mind when com- 
paring the advantages offered by different localities. 

It might be in place right here to give some of the reasons why the 
farmer receives greater returns for his labor in Arkansas than in some 
of the less favored States. In the first place, the superior quality of her 
products is an important factor. Arkansas has repeatedly taken the 
highest prizes for cotton and fruit over all competitors at the national 
exhibits of those products. In the region about Pine Bluff a quality of 
cotton, superior to any in the world in strength of fiber, is grown. An 
agent of Clark Bros., the famous cotton thread manufacturers of Lon- 
don, annually buys up the total product of this region and ships it tp 
London to be manufactured into the famous O. N. T. thread. In addi- 
tion to always carrying off the prize, Arkansas produces more cotton to 
the acre and hand than any other State. The principal cause, however, 
of the great returns from agricultural pursuits is the early season and the 
adaptability of the State to the growth of all kinds of fruits and vegeta- 
bles. It is the only State in the West, south of Mason & Dixon's Line, 
where these are grown in great quantities for shipment. Arkansas 
commands the Western market with its early products. Its fruits and 
vegetables are before all others in the markets of St. Louis and Chicago, 
and always at the highest market prices. Ready markets are found for 
&11 that can be raised. 



14 



ARKANSAS. 



The following figures show the average cash value per acre of all 
crops taken together in the various States ■ 



Alabama $13.49 

Arkansas 20.40 

California 17.18 

Connecticut 16.82 

Delaware 17.68 

Florida 8.52 

Georgia 10.35 

Iowa 8.88 

Illinois : 12.47 

Indiana 14.66 

Kentucky 13.58 

Louisiana 22.40 

Massachusetts 26.71 

Maine 13.51 

Maryland 17.82 

Michigan 18.96 



Minnesota $10.29 

Mississippi 14.76 

Missouri 10.78 

New Jersey 18.05 

New York 14.15 

New Hampshire 13.56 

North Carolina 10.79 

Ohio 15.58 

Oregon 17.11 

Pennsylvania 17.68 

Rhode Island 29.32 

South Carolina 10.09 

Tennesse 12.39 

Vermont 11.60 

Virginia 10.91 

West Virginia 12.74 



The above figures niay open the eyes of some of our readers, espec- 
ially those of the North and East; but it is to be remembered that this 
State is in the South, and, were the same attention given to preparing 
the soil and cultivating the crops as in the New England States, the re- 
sults would be still more astonishing. It should be remembered that 
only a little more than one-seventh of the entire State is under cultiva- 
tion, that large areas of the best fruit and farming lands are still unoc- 
cupied, that the latest and most improved methods of farming and 
fruit-raising are in use only in a few exceptional instances. With all 
these disadvantages against her, yet standing, in the general average, 
better than the best; with the tide of intelligent emigration setting 
strongly in that direction ; with change and improvement taking place 
in all branches of industry, the outlook for the future prosperity and 
rapid growth of Arkansas is bright indeed. 



ARKANSAS. 15 



LANDS OF ARKANSAS. 



fHERE are in Arkansas at present 5,000,000 acres of government 
lands subject to the pre-emption and homestead laws of the United 
States. Every citizen of the United States who is the head of a family 
or over 21 years of age is entitled to one entry under the homestead, 
pre-emption and timber-culture acts each. . But one pre-emption filing, 
one homestead entry, one timber-culture entry is allowed to each citi- 
zen. An entry on one 40-acre tract exhausts a right as much as on a 
whole quarter section. Original homestead and pre-emption rights can 
not be held simultaneously, for both require residence on and cultiva- 
tion of the land. 

All United States lands in Arkansas within six miles of the St. Louis, 
Iron Mountain & Southern and Little Rock & Fort Smith Railways are 
priced at $2.50 per acre. All other United States lands in the State 
are $1.25 per acre. 

Homestead entries can be made for not more than 160 acres in a con- 
tiguous form; tracts "cornering' 1 are not contiguous. 

The Land Office fees and commissions, payable when application is 
made, are as follows : 

LAND AT $2.50 PER ACRE. 

160 Acres Fee $10.00, Commissions $8.00, Total $1S.00 

120 " " 10.00 " 6.00 " 16.00 

80 " " 5.00 " 4.00 " 9.00 

40 " " 5.00 " 2.00 " 7.00 

LAND AT $1.25 PER ACRE. 

160 Acres Fee $10.00, Commissions $4.00, Total $14.00 

120 " " 10.00 " 3.00 " 13.00 

80 " " 5.00 " 2.00 " 7.00 

40 " " 5.00 ." 1.00 " 6.00 

A person desiring to enter a tract of land upon which he has not es- 
tablished a residence nor made improvements, must appear personally 
at the district land office and make his application before the Register 
and Receiver, after having seen the land. 

He must then establish actual, bona fide residence (in a house) upon 
the land within six months from date of entry, and must reside upon it 
continuously for five years. 



16 ARKANSAS. 

The period of actual inhabitancy, improvement and cultivation 
required under the homestead law, is five years. 

In case of the death of a homestead settler, before making proof, the 
widow succeeds to the homestead right; but she must continue to cul- 
tivate the land until final proof is made and accepted. 

In case of the death of both father and mother, the right and fee 
inure to the minor children, if any. 

A homestead right can not be devised away from the widow and 
minor children. 

A Union (or Federal) soldier or sailor of the late war is entitled to a 
deduction from the five years of the length of time (not exceeding four 
years) of his military or naval service. But the soldier (or his widow) 
must actually reside on the land at least one year before final proof can 
be made. Certified copy of discharge papers should be submitted with 
the proof. 

THE PRE-EMPTION LAW. 

The qualifications required of a pre-emptor are that he (or she) shall 
be a citizen of the United States, (or have declared an intention to 
become such;) over 21 years of age or the head of a family; an actual 
inhabitant of the tract claimed; and not the proprietor of 320 acres of 
land in any State or Territory. 

The declaration statement must be riled within thirty days from date 
of settlement. 

The Land Office fee for filing a declaratory statement is $2. 

A pre-emption filing can be made only by an actual settler on the land. 
A filing without settlement is illegal, and no rights are acquired there- 
by. 

The existence of a pre-emption filing on a tract of land does not pre- 
vent another filing on the same land, subject to any valid rights 
acquired by virtue of the former filing and actual settlement, if any. 

The requirements of actual inhabitancy and improvement must be 
observed as strictly under the pre-emption law as under the homestead 
law. 

Proof and payment must be made within twelve months from date of 
settlement, and must show residence and cultivation for at least six 
months. Proof is to be made in the same manner as in homestead 
cases. 



ARKANSAS. 



17 



Settlement should precede a pre-emption filing. The notion that 
parties have thirty days after filing to go on the land is erroneous. The 
first actual settler who files within one month after settlement is entitled 
to the land, while the first man who files may have been the last to 
make settlement, and hence have least claim to the land. 

A settlement does not mean actual residence, but preparation for it, to 
be followed up in good faith. The claimant should, in person, not 
by agent, start the erection of a house, or begin some other improve- 
ment on the land he selects before he makes a pre-emption filing. 

Declaratory statements should be witnessed, the date of settlement 
plainly stated, and the description clearly written. 
The State of Arkansas has upwards of 2,000,000 acres of lands, held as 

forfeited for taxes, 
internal improve- 
ments , lands, 
swamp lands, sem- 
inary and bank 
lands, which can 
be purchased at 
low figures... The 
following informa- 
tion regarding the 
manner of p u r- 
chasing and the 
price per acre, was 
furnished to the 
committee by Hon. 
Paul M. Cobbs, 
Commissioner of Arkansas State Lands : The following will answer 
many questions that are daily received through the mails : 
None except the lands forfeited for taxes are subject to donation. 
In no case can more than 160 acres of land be donated to one person. 
Applicants for donation simply apply for whatever right the State 
may have in and to the land desired, and the fee is for service rendered 
and not in payment for the land. The State gives a Quit Claim to the 
land, on the condition that it be improved, occupied and culti- 
vated by the donee. 

' Forfeited land is subject to sale at $1.25 per acre. Sixty per cent of 
the amount may be paid in county script (of the county in Avhieh th< v lands 




FARM SCENE— ARKANSAS. 
IRON MOUNTAIN ROUTE 



1* ARKANSAS. 

are situated,) and the remaining 40 per cent in State script or currency, 
or the whole amount may be paid in State script or currency. 

Internal improvement, saline and swamp lands are sold at $1.25 per 
acre. 

Seminary lands are sold at $1.00 per acre. 

Bank lands are sold at the appraised value. 

9 

All sales are for cash. The purchase money and fee must be paid 
into the State Treasury before a deed can be issued from this office. 

Forfeited lands come to this office by deeds or certificates from the 
county clerks, in which many errors occur, many of which are de- 
tected and corrected in this office, while others are of such a nature that 
it is impossible for the Commissioner to detect them— as in cases where 
persons hold receipts for the taxes paid for the same year reported 
forfeited, and where the United States homestead entries are reported 
forfeited before the land becomes taxable. Where persons purchase 
forfeited lands, and the forfeiture afterwards proves to be an error , the 
purchase money can not be refunded, as the legislature made no 
appro priaton for paying such claims. 

The courts have sustained tax titles where the land was subject to 
taxation at the date of forfeiture, and where the forfeiture was taken 
in conformity with law ; for this, applicants must look out for them- 
selves. 

The Commissioner will not surfer any one to take up lands that are 
shown by the records to be erroneously forfeited ; but, as stated above, 
the records do not show all the errors that exist. Applicants should 
acquaint themselves with the history of the land desired before paying 
out any money, or doing any work on the same. 

A donation can not be floated from one tract to another. Applica- 
tions can not be received, or money taken on deposit, in anticipation of 
lands which are expected thereafter to become subject to entry at the 
State Land Office. The law prohibits the Commissioner doing any- 
thing which would have a tendency to give one citizen the advantage 
of another in procuring State lands. 

Donees can not legally sell any part of their donations, or cut or re- 
move any timber therefrom, except for the specific improvement of 
such donation, until the. deed is issued therefor. 



ARKANSAS. 19 

The following fees are required by law, to be certified by the Com- 
missioner, and paid into the State Treasury direct, for the use of. the 
State and can not be refunded under any circumstances : 

For each Certificate of Donation $10 00 

For each Deed or Patent of any description 1 00 

For each Certificate (other than a Donation) 1 00 

For each Affidavit (made before the Commissioner) 50 

For Copy of Field Notes of any Section 1 00 

A tender to the State Treasurer of the requisite amount of money, 
including the fee, is necessary to constitute a legal application to 
obtain State lands through the State Land Office. 



RAILROAD LANDS. 



"PN 1853 Congress passed an act, and subsequently confirmed it in 
C 1S66, whereby a certain number of sections of land were granted 
for every mile of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway 
constructed. This was a liberal grant, and extended for twenty miles 
on either side of the track. Out of the original amount a total of 847,- 
270 acres still remain unsold, and subject to purchase by those desiring 
a home. By recent purchase of lands on the line of the Little Rock, 
Mississippi River & Texas Division, nearly 200,000 acres were added to 
the above amount, making a grand total of nearly 1,000,000 acres of 
good farming lands for sale at reasonable rates. 

The price of this land varies according to quality and location. The 
uplands range in price from $2.50 to $8.00 per acre; the creek bottoms 
from $4.00 to $10.00; the river bottoms from $9.00 to $25.00 per acre. 
As must necessarily be the case, these lands are near the railroads, and 
there are, consequently, always ready and good markets for produce 
within easy access. 
Railways lands are offered on the following easy terms : 
Terms No. 1. — At time of purchase and in the year following the 
payment, is six per cent interest on principal ; and in the third and each 
year thereafter, one-ninth of the principal, with six per cent interest 
on the remainder until all is paid, .giving a credit of ten years. 



20 ARKANSAS. 

Terms No. 2.— At time of purchase, and in each year thereafter, one- 
sixth of the principal and one year's interest on the remainder, at the 
rate of six per cent per annum until all is paid, giving a credit of five, 
years on deferred payments. 

Terms No. 3. — At time of purchase, and in each year thereafter, one- 
fourth of the principal and one year's interest on the remainder, at the 
rate of six per cent per annum until all is paid, giving a credit of three 
years. 

Terms No. 4. — The whole purchase money down at time of purchase, 
and deed given to purchaser. 

A great work has heen done by the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & 
Southern Railway by opening to settlement Central and Northeast 
Arkansas, and more recently the southern and southwestern portion of 
the State. This gives an opportunity for investment in all kinds of 
enterprises and industries, any of which will eventually lead to success, 
if the settler has the requisite energy and perseverance. The lands 
could not be better for general farming purposes. The season for culti- 
vation is a very long one, lasting from February until November, and 
therefore highly favorable to many crops that require not only warm 
springs, but the moderate temperature of a long autumn. A climate 
and soil which thus secure the agriculturist against the fears of 
droughts, and also of early frosts, will be recognized at once as being 
as rare as it is propitious, and as offering unusual inducements to emi- 
grants. 

The land grant of the Little Rock & Ft. Smith Railway extends the 
length of the Arkansas River Valley from Little Rock to Ft. Smith. It 
lies on either side of the track, in alternate sections, and has the Ar- 
kansas river running through its entire length. A land grant, with a 
navigable river and a first-class railway running through it from end 
to end, is not found in every State. The soil of this tract is not only 
rich but versatile to a high degree in the variety of crops of which it is 
capable. It lies between the lines of latitude that stand as a barrier to 
the vigorous winds of winter and the intense heat of the semi-tropical 
summer. Here are but three short months of an open winter, with 
nine months of a long, Taalmy, golden season, when all crops come to 
perfection, and are harvested in their full maturity. It was not in- 
tended that such a wealth of natural resources should always remain 
unknown. But public notice was diverted for a time to less favored 
regions through the medium of the public press and highly colored 



ARKANSAS. 21 

advertising. This country could be overlooked only for a short time. 
Such advantages were hound to speak and demand an impartial hear- 
ing. The products of this valley have been placed before the gaze of 
the public at various Expositions throughout the country. They have 
told their own story. The tide is turning, and the stream of home 
seekers is turning, toward this modern Eden, from which there is no 
danger of expulsion, if the candidate is industrious, honest, economi- 
cal and energetic. You are welcome and bidden to enter. Study the 
array of natural advantages, and you will accept the invitation. Let 
everybody come — the farmer with his plow to turn the soil and reap 
the bountiful harvests; the woodsman with his axe to clear the prime- 
val forest of its giant trees; the miner with his pick; the artist with his 
brush; the hunter with his dog and gun; the fisherman with his rod 
and flies; the mechanic with his saw and hammer; the mason with his 
trowel; and the man of money with his capital. Come to Arkansas, 
you are all wanted. One can get along only by the aid of the others. 



PRODUCTS. 



The following is a review of the leading agricultural 

products of the state at the little rock 

Exposition in 1S87: 

COTTON. 

As might have been expected of a State that stands ahead of any 
other cotton producing center in the quality of this staple, this 
section was full of choice samples. "While the world may dispute the 
supremacy of King Cotton there is no question as to Arkansas being his 
chosen palace. In view of the universality of this admission, we will 
not consume space in rehearsing the soil and climatic conditions that 
give Arkansas the conceded superiority over every other cotton State in 
quality of staple. Giant stalks ,covered with well filled bolls, curiosi- 
ties in every form, elicited loud exclamations of surprise from even the 
oldest planters. One bale from Phillips county was admittedly the 



22- ARKANSAS. 

iinest sample ever grown in the State. It was of the Hutchinson im- 
proved variety, and spoke well for this seed, which is rapidly growing 
into favor among the planters of the State. 

CORN. 

The display of corn was such as might be expected from a 
State where its introduction forms such an important portion of our 
agricultural system, and whose soil and climatic conditions are favor- 
able to the highest development. Choice grown samples of white and 
yellow Dent, white and yellow flint, gourd seed, Welborn corn, Bon- 
ham, Longfellow, Dutton, Strawberry, Grover, hominy and flour corn, 
from bottom and upland, from over thirty counties, and exceeding 400 
exhibits, were sent in. Great ears were common, but the majority 
were exceedingly well filled and grained to the tip. Comment on the 
corn department is unnecessary, as many years since Arkansas took, 
according to her acreage, a high position among the corn producing 
States of the Union. Our average is uniformly high, and it is a maxim 
among old pioneer farmers that never was a farmer known to fail to 
secure a crop who planted in March. With the employment of fertil- 
izers, so freely used in other States, our average yield could easily be 
doubled. Along our water courses are over 6,000,000 acres of the finest 
corn laud in the world, while our " second bench " and uplands yield 
equally with the ordinary prairies of the most highly favored corn belt. 
Every visitor joined in eulogium over the magnificent display made. 
With our corn production and mild, brief winters, the problem of 
cheap meat is already half solved. 

While dealing with the corn exhibit it may be well to make a few 
notes upon the " second growth " section. There were quite a number 
of samples of good, perfect upland corn that had been followed by a 
full yield of millet on the same ground during one season. In one case 
an average crop each of corn, millet and turnips had been harvested. 
The possibility of this dual cropping renders the food supply of the 
newcomer on a recently cleared farm, for the first year, an easy task, 
and encourages the settler to bring his stock with him. 

FRUITS. 

The reputation of Arkansas as a fruit-bearing section is too fully 
established to require extended comment. Our space is too re- 
stricted to criticise varieties and their adaptability to certain soils. 
We content ourselves with varieties listed. In reading this list, it 



ARKANSAS. 23 

must be borne in mind tbat tbe extreme Southern States, combined 
with the great prairie region both to the west and northwest, open a 
practically unlimited maixet. Those who have orchards in bearing 
now are reaping a golden harvest. All kinds of small fruits, with the 
exception of currants, yield abundantly in this State, and every planter 
near a line of railroad is prospering in their production. The experi- 
mental stage is past, and in almost every neighborhood varieties have 
been sufficiently tested to serve as a reliable guide for the orchardist. 
There has not been a complete failure of the peach crop in thirty 

years. 

APPLES, PEACHES, PEARS, ETC. 

Nowhere outside of Arkansas was the lover of fine fruit ever 
regaled by such a feast of beautiful fruits as were on view in 
Agricultural Hall. Large, brilliantly-colored, well-flavored speci- 
mens were present from twenty-eight counties. "We leave scien- 
tists to assign reasons for the accorded supremacy of Arkansas 
fruit. No State outside of Arkansas can duplicate this section. 
But why dwell on a fact that the world has been obliged to recognize. 
We wish those who thought the exhibit a fine one at New Orleans and 
Boston could have aeen this, and their wonder would be tenfold 
increased. 

In addition to the list of named varieties of apples as above, the 
Boston exhibit, consisting in part of sixty-eight varieties of seedling 
apples, and which was awarded the "Wilder medal, the highest pre- 
mium that is awarded at any time by any society. These were mainly 
shown by numbers ranging from No. 1 to No. 68 varieties. These 
seedlings were the wonder of the scientific pomologists at Boston. No 
living man can account for the production of choice seedling apples in 
Arkansas. An orchardist in the North might plant a bushel of apple 
seeds, and the chances are against his producing one valuable variety. 
While here, if he planted a quart, a score or more valuable seedling 
apples would be the result. We state an established fact and let the 
wise ones do the explaining. 

SORGHUM AND PRODUCTS. 

Over forty samples of syrup, equal in appearance and taste to 
the best refined syrup. A home market is readily found for a 
good article, and money can be made out of its growth and 
manufacture. In view of the incorrect naming of the many 



24 



ARKANSAS. 



varieties, a few remarks are necessary. The sorghum sugar 
canes are generally classed into two great divisions — the Sorghos and 
the Imphee; the former chiefly of Asiatic origin, and in general distin- 
guished by expanded panicles, more or less drooping; and the latter, 
exclusively of African origin, by closely contracted and erect panicles. 
Tne Imphee and Sorghos have been crossed, and the resulting hybrids 
intercrossed, until numerous varieties have been produced, more or 
less resembling each other, and possessing similar properties in com- 
mon to a greater or less extent. Most of the syrup sent in was f rom 
the Imphee 
section, the fa- 
vorite varie- 
ties being- 
Early Amber, 
Early Orange 
and Goose- 
neck. 

In this brief 
review of the 
sorghum in- 
terest it is im- 
possible to do 
justice to its 
importance. 

The people 
are to be con- 
gratulated up- 
on the fact 
that they are 
determined to 
produce at 
home this sup- 
ply. Both 

syrups, produced from a luxuriant growth of the caucs, demonstrate 
conclusively that sorghum is at home in every portion of our State. 
The recent sugar experiments with the diffusion process in making- 
sugar, render it probable that this will be one of the important indus- 
tries of the State. Irrespective of this, there is no longer a shadow of 
excuse for the fanners hot producing in every neighborhood the sup- 




ARKANSAS. 25 

ply; cultivation and manufacture are so simple, and the appliances so 
cheap. 

There is a large and steady income waiting those who purchase im- 
proved machinery and manufacture a good article of syrup. The great 
number of saw mills and logging camps assure the producer a profit- 
able market. 

WHEAT. 

Owing to blind obedience to the rule of cotton, the peopel have 
lost sight of the importance of producing their home supply of 
flour. Owing to the mistaken idea that the profits on the production of 
cotton would enable them to purchase the food supply abroad, and 
then after selling the cotton have a surplus left, has prevented a large 
acreage in wheat, and created an impression that the soil of this State 
is not calculated to produce a fair sample. The contrary is true, and 
almost every county outside of the river tier had sent in varieties' 
which were examined by competent judges and pronounced good. 

The line samples of flour convinced all that we should no longer im- 
port this article. This section upsets some of the old ideas. While the 
northern tier of counties, such as Baxter and Washington, contributed 
magnificent samples, yet the extreme southern counties, such as Drew 
and Union, were equal in some varieties. As a matter of fact all the 
upland portions of our State are finely adapted to wheat production. 
The samples on the average were plump and heavy, and free from 
traces of any insect ravages. Chinch-bug and midge are comparatively 
unknown in our State, and wheat is singularly exempt from diseases. 

OATS. 

Over eighty entries attested the generality of growth. Every 
section of the State is well adapted, and in evidence it may be put in 
that the finest sample was from Saline county, grown on upland, and 
the next was from Phillips county, immediately abutting on the 
lowlands of the Mississippi. Several exhibitors sent in fine Ger- 
man millet, sown as a second crop after the oats were harvested. 
Most of the grain was thin in the husks and heavy in the grain. 
Owing to the great humidity of our air, oats grow heavier than would 
be supposed possible in our latitude. The favorite varieties are the 
Red, rust-proof; Welcome, black and white. 



26 ARKANSAS. 

BARLEY 

was not represented by over four samples. Yet these were good, 

and establish the fact that average yields can be made. Barley is 

not important in our system of agriculture, from the fact that there are 

so many better and more cheaply produced food crops, and we are also 

influenced by the fact that there are no malting establishments in the 

State. 

BUCKWHEAT. 

Several entries of this were plump in berry and glossy in 
skin. It is not possible that this will ever play an important 
feature in our agricultural system. For either cleaning, feed or ferti- 
lizing purposes, it is inferior to the cow pea. Under some circum- 
stances it may be wise to employ it, but very rare will they be. 

RYE. 

The exhibits in this section were few, but very choice. The 
importance of this crop is forcing itself upon our farmers, and the acre- 
age devoted to its production rapidly increasing. For winter pastur- 
age and soiling purposes it is proving very valuable, in fact indispensa- 
ble to farming, with an idea of increasing the nominal supply. True, 
we have the open range, but the droppings of the animal are lost, and 
our farmers have learned to pasture first, and then turn under the green 
crop, thus cheaply fertilizing the land for other crops. 

BUTTER. 

This section was respectable, not full. This action on the part of 
dairy men and farmers is unaccountable. For instance, in convers- 
ing with a party who makes over 5,000 pounds a year and finds a 
ready market in Little Rock at 25 cents per pound, we were informed 
that although surrounded by several large dairies in the best pasturing 
district of Lonoke, yet she was unable to induce the producers to send 
samples to the Exposition. This is to be regretted exceedingly, as it 
but strengthens the accusation so often made that Arkansas is not a 
good butter State. The contrary is the fact, and with the continually 
increasing area of pasturage lands, the home market will soon be inde- 
pendent of the creameries of the North. Carlisle sent a grand sample; 
from same place, a beautiful jar of granular butter, the product of a 
Holstein herd; Lonoke sent a fine sample, golden, and still only a 
natural color ; and several other contributions from different sections 
completed the display. 



ARKANSAS. 27 

The increase in dairy products the last few years is remarkable. This 
activity springs from the fact that as the tame grasses one by one are 
being found adapted for different sections permanent pastures are 
being made, and with their creation naturally folloAvs an increase of 
cows of better breed. Agitation is going on in several sections point- 
ing to the establishment of creameries. The unqualified success of 
these institutions in Mississippi assures us against possible failure. 

EVAPORATING FRUITS. 

This section was fairly filled, but not to the extent that its import- 
ance as a profitable industry in this State warranted. The leading 
exhibitor in this department was the Fort Smith Evaporating Com- 
pany. Magnificent samples were shown of apples, peaches, pumpkins 
and sweet potatoes. There is a great future in this latter tuber by 
preparing it in this manner. Each bushel will yield fifteen pounds 
of marketable product, and the demand is growing. It is also prepared 
in the shape of flour. Alexander, Saline county, had the finest evapo- 
rated sweet potatoes in the Exposition.. 

VEGETABLES. 

The warmest friends of the Exposition were apprehensive that 
in view of the unprecedented dry season this department would 
be scantily supplied. The contrary was the case, and the section 
was replete with large, perfectly-grown, well-flavored specimens of 
almcst every vegetable known to the temperate zone, and several that 
are supposed to find their true habitat towards the tropics. While 
looking at these adjuncts of a generous diet we were forced to confess 
that the garden or ''truck patch" had not been accorded the prominence 
that its merits demanded. There are few vegetables that do not succeed 
well with us. The gardeners of Little Rock and Fort Smith grow as 
fine vegetables as are found in any market of the world. 

ST. LOUIS, IRON MOUNTAIN & SOUTHERN RAILWAY EXHIBIT. 

A separate section was assigned to this corporation, and the exhibit 
was the center of attraction in the agricultural hall. All the samples 
were collected from points along this line of railway, the greater por- 
tion being contributed by settlers upon lands sold them by the com- 
pany. The exhibit was most tastefully arranged by Prof. W. S. Thomas, 
tJae pioneer exhibitor of the resources of the State, and who has carried 



ffi AKKANSAS. 

off so many prizes with our products at other State fairs. To give a list 
of separate articles is beyond our scope, but suffice it to say that it em- 
braced almost every product of the State. Over seventy varieties of wild 
grasses; seventy varieties of native timber; every cereal grown with in 
our borders ; every cultivated forage plant in which we are pre-eminently 
rich; a large pottery section, showing the capability of our rich clay 
deposits to assume useful and beautiful forms; every textile plant, with 
the manufacture and products thereof ; an ornithological section replete 
with our native birds; a novel collection of curious growths. In short, 
an epitome of the natural wealth of a — by nature— highly favored State. 
The Land Department and Col. Thos. Essex were congratulated on the 
display grouped so artistically. 

LITTLE ROCK & FORT SMITH RAILWAY EXHIBIT. 

This line was finely represented by products from the fertile lands 
through which it passes. Running, as this line does, through some of the 
richest bottom and upland, magnificent tribute has been gleaned. The 
display of apples from Johnson and Conway counties was really superb. 
As a sample, it may be mentioned that this section had a Northern Spy of 
fifteen inches in circumference and a weight of nineteen ounces; also, 
a Keffer pear, weighing twenty ounces. Wine of a superior quality 
tickled the palate of the connoisseur. Field and garden crop samples, 
choice and perfect in growth, revealed new possibilities. The exhibit 
did not propose to cover all the products of the section tributary to the 
railway, and was got up hurriedly, yet enough was given to make the 
public, like Oliver Twist, ask "for more." Col. Gibson and Capt. Dill 
spent much time and thought in grouping artistically their products. 

HAY AND FODDER PLANTS. 

The array of cured products in this department was a cause of 
unalloyed gratification to every well-wisher of the State. The grass 
supply is the foundation of successful agriculture. Without grass 
there can be no stock, and without stock no possibility of maintain- 
ing the fertility of the soil. The Alpha and Omega of agriculture is 
found in the terse sentence, "More grass, more stock; more stock, 
more grass." A fair measure of the agricultural prosperity of any 
people is the amount of the area in permanent pasture, or em- 
ployed for restorative purposes in rotation. Before entering into the 
standard varieties, it may be well to remark that pendant from the 



AKKANSAS. 29 

beams of the agricultural hall were over eighty varieties of wild or 
native grasses. Most of them are eminently nutritious, and afford an 
open range of unrivalled character. A large hale of alfalfa (medicago 
sativa) from a farm near Little Bock, hears the placard, "This 
product was mowed middle of April, and every thirty days there- 
after for four consecutive times, and is now, November 1, 1887, 
over one foot high." On all our deep-drained rich lands this grass 
will do well, and nothing else can equal it in quantity, while its quality 
is as good as the best. Tbe past unusually dry season it was measured, 
and its growth found to be twenty-seven inches in twenty-four days. 
Pulaski county, also sent in a bale magnificently cured and of fine fibre. 

Bermuda grass (cynodon dactylon) was represented both in plant 
and bale from many sections. A farmer of Arkadelphia, mowed 
from twenty acres, one sitting, fifty tons of Bermuda hay, a bale of 
which he sent to the Exposition. This was sold at $15 per ton— $750. 
Cost of saving, $55, exclusive of labor, and the pasturage more than 
paid for the labor. Drew county also sent Bermuda and fifteen other 
forage plants. 

Japan clover (lespedeza straita) was present strongly. This grass is 
destined to occupy a very prominent point in our grass supply. It has 
rapidly taken possession of the State, and many who only know it as 
the small plant by the wayside, will scarcely recognize the growth of 
thirty inches from Bradley county, where it is cultivated. 

Bales of crab grass, clover, timothy, orchard grass, prairie hay, pea- 
vines, millet, teasinti, Johnson grass, all choice samples, effectually 
dispose of the lie that Arkansas is not a good grass country. The con- 
trary is the fact. The open range and our brief winters have been the 
cause of our people paying so little attention to permanent pastures. Of 
course our land varies, like that of other States, in its adaptability to 
grow certain grasses, but whenever due attention has been paid to the 
habit of the special variety sown, success has crowned the undertaking. 
The rapid settlement of the State and the importance of blooded stock 
is forcing the attention of our farmers to a good tame grass supply, and 
after a fair acquaintance with the efforts in this behalf, in many por- 
tions of the State, we state confidently that in no State in the Union is 
a hay supply more easily provided. Care in preparing the seed-bed 
and favoring moisture to secure a good stand, are essential here as else- 
where. Yet the whole list, from timothy to Bermuda, can be profitably 
grown in almost every section of our State. 



130 ARKANSAS. 



PEACHES, STRAWBERRIES, GRAPES. 



i ft;/(HE natural habitat of the peach is Persia and Asiatic Turkey, lying 
Jr between the parallels of 30 and 40 degrees of latitude. Arkansas 
beingthe very center of this belt, accounts for the perfection and profusion 
which this fruit attains in the State. For years a budded peach tree 
was unknown in Arkansas. Only seedlings were raised, but these were 
so superior in quality that the need of the improved varieties was not 
felt. Had these trees been grown at the North, hundreds of them 
would have been given popular names and put on the market, becoming 
at once famous and bringing fortunes to their owners. The seedlings 
nourished for years without fame and name. The family wants were 
supplied and the remainder went in a vain attempt to fatten the Arkan- 
sas hog. This regime is wholly changed in some sections, and the dis- 
integration of the old ideas is going on throughout the whole State 
rapidly. The cultivation of this fruit is receiving the same attention 
as in the North and East. All the improved varieties have been intro- 
duced, and the superiority of Arkansas peaches is appreciated in all the 
Western and Southern markets. Along the line of the St. Louis, Iron 
Mountain & Southern Railway the greater part of the peach crop is 
raised and shipped. All the improved varieties are grown. The trees 
commence to bear three years from the seed. Trees are budded in 
August, and such is their vigor that they are rarely injured by borers, 
and the curl and yellow leaf are not known to have affected Arkansas 
orchards. Many of the best varieties ripen in May. This gives 
growers full command of the earliest Northern markets when fruit is in 
greatest demand and prices are highest. 

The strawberry is indigenous to all lands and climates. It is an uni- 
versal fruit. It matures in ttie torrid, temperate, and even in frigid 



ARKANSAS. 



31 



climes where only plants that require the shortest season of growth 
flourish. It was in the more northern parts of the temperate zones 
that this fruit was first brought under cultivation, and it was not sup- 
posed, for many years, that the im- 
proved varieties could be grown in 
the South. 

The first strawberries were intro- 
duced into Arkansas by a gentleman 




-mm 

jfmmm 






residing at Little Rock, who had lived some time at the North, and on his 
return set out a few plants by way of experiment. Now, tons of this fruit 
are raised and shipped, and during the present season very extensive 
plantings have been made for the full demands of future markets. The 
peculiar adaptability of our country to this berry is shown by the 



32 ARKANSAS 

rapidity with which it everywhere distrihutes itself. Arkansas supplies 
the early markets of the North and the later markets of the South with 
this fruit. 

Of all the fruit in the world the grape in its highest cultivated state 
is the most celebrated, and no doubt was the chief one in the first gar- 
den. From its native countries between Persia and India, it was intro. 
duced into Greece by the Phoenicians, and from there into Europe by 
way of Marseilles. In the United States it finds in Arkansas the same 
climate and latitude as in its native land, and the success which has 
attended its culture in this State has been complete. About Little 
Rock there are several commercial vineyards, and their foreign owners 
say they have seen nothing in Europe to compare with our advantages. 
The vineyards of Hot Springs county send very fine table grapes and 
wine to market, and the enterprise of Dr. Lawrence, who is an enthusi- 
astic amateur pomologist, has done much to originate new varieties 
and quicken an interest in grape culture. The bouquet and body of our 
Arkansas wines cannot be surpassed. The vines are healthy, no disease 
prevailing among them, and many varieties fruiting to perfection 
which are not on the open air lists farther north. 



ARKANSAS. 33 



MINERALS 



tT this period of the world's progress it is conceded that iron is 
king. There is more capital and labor employed in the produc- 
tion and manufacture of iron to-day than in that of any other of the in- 
dustries of the world. As a natural result that portion of the globe 
which possesses the requisite material for the production and the 
facilities for the manufacture of iron and its twin brother, steel, is 
peculiarly blessed. That all the requisites are found in abundance and 
of superior quality in this State, was amply demonstrated by the 
various displays at the Exposition. Upon the grounds was a pyramid of 
iron ore from the mines only fifteen miles from Little Rock, which 
assays 54 per cent metallic iron; and another pyramid of alternate layers 
of iron ore and limestone from the same locality. The limestone is 
necessary as a flux. 

The mines at Batesville exhibited iron ore of good quality, and so far 
as developed, in ample quantity. These ores showed nearly all the 
varieties found in this country. 

In Polk county is found several varieties of iron ore, together with 
manganese of superior quality, some said by metallurgists to be the 
highest grade of manganese to be found in the United States. There 
is found manganiferous iron ore and the brown hematite ore which 
assays 55 per cent metallic iron. In the same district the manganese is of 
various qualities and forms, the richest being the crystallized, which 
analyzes 60 per cent metallic manganese, and is specially adapted to 
the manufacture of fine quality of steel, and also of Bohemian glass. 
The mines of this district have been developed to a greater depth than 
in any other part of the State, and have done more to prove the per- 
manent character of the veins than any other, Avhich is demonstrated 
by the fact that the Arkansas Development Company are arranging for 
the erection of a plant at Antimony City for the reduction of these ores 
and the manufacture of steel. 

The iron of Montgomery county has long been known as of good 
quality and the lack of transportation is all that has kept back the 
development of the industry in this as well as other localities. 

The ores from these different localities were exhibited at the Expo- 



34 ARKANSAS. 

sition and formed a very convincing argument in favor of the solid 
resources and wealth of the State. 

We wish to draw particular attention to the highly crystalline meta- 
morphic and strangely changed rocks from their original character by 
heated gasses and gaseous vapors, charged with the greatest variety of 
minerals and mineral products of the useful and precious classes, which 
has made this zone or mineral belt the wonder of the scientists, who 
have sought this region to gather the most valuable and most beautiful 
crystalline minerals to adorn their cabinets. We dare say there is not 
an institution in all European countries that does not contain mineral 
specimens collected from this wonderfully rich mineral zone. This 
belt or zone runs in a southward direction and gets wider and wider as it 
extends westward. It is continuous through Pulaski county bounded by 
hills of granite of every known character; thence it passes through 
Saline county where there has been recently opened a rich and highly 
valuable mine for producing nickel, cobalt and silver. The quartz — 
the matrix of the nickel ore — is of clear, white color, semi-transparent, 
and this quartz, in some places, is full of hairy-like tufts of what is called 
by mineralogists "millerite," which assays 54.25 per cent of nickel. 
In depth "millerite" increases in quantity rapidly, a strong evidence of 
the great value of the mines. The accompanying minerals are cobalt, 
a good percentage of silver and a trace of gold. In Saline county have 
also been developed copper and argentiferous galena, together with the 
well-known large deposits of steatite, or soapstone, in connection with 
a beautiful variety of serpentine approaching the verde antique of 
Europe. This crystalline mineral zone passes through Hot Spring county, 
embracing Magnet Cove, a rich locality for mineralogists, from which 
the most beautiful crystals of various kinds of minerals have been and 
continue to be collected. The next county west embracing the crystal- 
line zone is Garland, which contains its well-known healing springs of 
hot water. The valley is bounded by hills of novaculite — the Washita 
oil stone, equal to and superior, for some purposes, to the Turkey oil 
stone. Probably there is not a hardware store in America that does 
not contain the Washita oil stone. Garland county also contains valua- 
ble minerals of the precious and useful classes, as well as different kinds 
of colored slates for flooring and other purposes, and from the Arkansas 
river through all the counties before named, as well as those to be 
spoken of, are large deposits of school, roofing and slab slates, equal in 
their fossil character and quality to any quarried elsewhere. The next 



ARKANSAS. 35 

county through which the crystalline zone passes, is Montgomery, rich 
in argentiferous galena minerals, and containing many well-developed 
mines of silver-hearing quartz. The next west county is Howard, 
which, with Sevier, embraces regular well-defined crevices of argenti- 
ferous galena ores ; also the well-known mines of antimony, which are in 
richness of metal equal to any found in European countries and far su- 
perior in quality andquantity to such mines in Canada and the United 
States which fact is well and satisfactorily proven by actual work. This 
mineral exists between regular walls in well defined crevices, nearly or 
quite vertical and has been sunk into upwards of 100 feet into some of 
the veins ; the pay streak being four feet wide. In fact the antimony is 
apparently inexhaustible in quantity and gradually increases in silver 
percentage in depth. In Polk, a county- adjoining Sevier and Howard 
in the north, are rich silver and lead mines and immense deposits of 
rich manganese and hematite iron ores, now being extensively devel- 
oped. In Sevier, and bordering on the Choctaw Nation, are the well- 
known Bellah mines of silver-lead, which owing to adverse circunr 
stances and bad management, are idle. They were worked to some 
extent during the war, and many a brave man was shot with a silver 
bullet, the product of the Bellah mine. In point of comparison with the 
Kellogg mines in Pulaski county, the argentiferous galena carries with 
it carbonate and sulphate of zinc, gray copper and thin flakes of native 
copper — baryta and spathic iron— almost showing a continuation of the 
same lode throughout the Arkansas crystalline mineral zone. From 
the Bellah mine this rich zone of minerals continues through the In- 
dian Nation and to Old Mexico, and the ore in this mine is far superior in 
variety and abundance than any other State in the Union possesses. 
The exhibition of the minerals of Arkansas, convinced all persons visit- 
ing this department of the truth of the foregoing assertions. 

Gypsum from Pike county was shown in large blocks and of most 
excellent quality. 

Coal from the 2,000,000 acre coal fields was oja. exhibit in large quan- 
tities! 

Granite from Pulaski and Saline counties, both in the rough and 
finished state — this building material has no superior in any .part of the 
world. 

Marble from the central and north part of the State was shown in 
great variety, equal in every respect to the celebrated variegated marble 
from Tennessee. 



36 ARKANSAS. 



EDUCATION. 



tR KANSAS has a well organized public school system, with a 
State Superintendent and a County Examiner in each county. 
Provision is made in the Constitution of the State for the support of 
public schools, requiring an annual tax of 20 cents upon each $100 of 
taxable property, to be levied and collected for that purpose, in addi- 
tion to a per capita tax of $1 upon each adult male inhabitant. The 
territory of each county has been laid off by the respective county 
courts into convenient school districts, which are managed by three 
directors, elected by the electors of the district. In addition to the 
amount raised by State tax, each school district, by vote, can levy a tax 
of not in excess of 50 cents upon the $100 for the support of its school. 
A large portion of the districts vote the full amount allowed by law, 
paying in the aggregate for this laudable purpose 70 cents on the $100 
of taxable property, together with a poll tax of $1. In towns and 
densely populated neighborhoods this enables the schools to be kept 
open for nine months in each year. In the sparsely settled sections the 
schools are kept open for so long as the amount of money available will 
justify. All are kept open at least three months in each year. Graded 
schools have been established in all of the cities and in the larger towns 
of the State. The Arkansas Industrial University, a part of the public 
school system of the State, is located at the town of Fayetteville in the 
county of Washington. For beauty and healthfulness its location is 
unsurpassed. The medical department of this University is established 
at Little Rock, with a full corps of professors, composed of men emi- 
nent in the medical profession. The course of study embraces three 
years, and is very thorough. 

REPORT ON EDUCATION. 

This department made a good showing, as might be expected in a 
State where education lies so near to the popular heart. This devotion 
to promoting good schools was fully set forth in the eloquent address 
of Governor Hughes at the opening. 



AKKANSAS. 37 

The growth of her free schools within the last eight years has been 
unexampled. Free schools are taught in every neighborhood, village, 
town and city in the State, and thousands of children are receiving 
education and being prepared at these schools for intelligent, useful 
citizenship. There are about ISO public school houses in the State; 
about 3,700 teachers, and about 360,000 pupils. For the year ending 
June the 30th, 1886, nearly $900,000 were expended for educational pur- 
poses in the common schools. Besides the public schools, there are in 
the State twenty colleges and private schools, including the Arkansas 
Industrial University, the Institution for the Deaf Mutes, and the Ar- 
kansas School for the Blind. It is no doubt a matter of astonishment 
to those who have been wont to underrate our great State, that in pro- 
portion to her taxable values, Arkansas does more free school educa- 
tion than any State in the Union, the great State of Massachusetts not 
excepted. Among other attractions, the school buildings, displayed in 
photograph and drawing, were worthy of note. The old log house was 
not there. In the towns this has been displaced by more commodious 
and far more comfortable affairs. In these something of architectural 
skill has been displayed, and a proper regard for ventilation is evinced. 
Heat and the proper adaptation of light is more clearly marked than in 
the older houses. 



TIMBER. 



"pN the early days of the settlement of the Eastei-n, Middle and South- 
C em States, the heavy timber which covered that portion of the 
country had to be cleared away before crops could be planted or a har- 
vest gathered. The farmer was first a woodman. This method of 
obtaining a farm had its drawbacks. With the stream of emigration 
constantly pushing westward, came the discovery of the rich prairie 
lands of the Mississippi Valley. Here the axe was eliminated as a fac- 



38 ARKANSAS. 

tor in farming. The soil required only to be tickled with a boe to 
laugh with a harvest. This was a very favorable condition. There 
was enough timber in this belt and within easy access for fuel and 
building purposes. West of this, what was formerly known as the 
Great American Desert, was found to be available for farming purposes. 
Millions of acres of rich land were thrown open for settlement, but the 
conditions were not so favorable. There was scarcely no timber at all, 
except inferior qualities along the streams. Enormous prices were paid 
for fuel and building material. Large harvests were obtained, but the 
profits were eaten up in providing necessities which the land did not 
furnish. This was discouraging. The farmer longed for a portion of 
the forest he had left behind in the East. 

It is a greater drawback to farming to be wholly without timber than 
to have too much of it to start with. A part of the land of Arkansas 
is prairie, but a large portion of it is heavily timbered. The timber of 
our country is rapidly becoming exhausted, and in Arkansas is to be 
found the only large bodies of timber still untouched. They are of 
the greatest variety and the most useful and valuable to be found in the 
world. The timber of Michigan and the North is being rapidly ex- 
hausted, lumbermen are turning their attention toward Arkansas. A 
large tract of valuable timber was recently purchased by a Michigan 
syndicate, and in a few years it will be difficult to obtain such land in 
the State of Arkansas. 

During the year 1887, $20,000,000 worth of lumber was shipped out of 
the State, requiring 100,000 cars for its transportation. 

When the attention of manufacturers is turned to the immense timber 
supply of this State and to the fact that the Southwest is no longer the 
sparsely settled country it formerly was, that it is rapidly filling up 
with intelligent, enterprising people, that it is rapidly becoming an 
excellent market for furniture, wagons, agricultural implements, stoves, 
paper, chairs, railway cars and other manufactured articles, the wealth 
of Arkansas will be greatly increased by reason of the transfer of old 
and the putting up of new manufacturing plants.. 

Arkansas abounds in valuable timber in all sections, and the revenues 
from it are of the first importance, constituting one base of great 
wealth yet to be realized in the improvement of the State. She has 
more variety of timber, useful for various mechanical purposes, than 
all the New England States combined. While the Northern and West- 



ARKANSAS. 39 

ern States are seeking aid from the general government by way of 
donations and legislation, for the encouragement of tree planting to 
supply a demand for lumber that is every year growing more and more 
pressing, and must continue to increase till reboisement is accom- 
plished by the growth of a century, Arkansas has within her bound- 
aries the largest and best variety of useful timber in the United States, 
if not on the globe, and possesses unsurpassed facilities for the trans- 
portation of the same to the great marts of the world. With the 
Mississippi river on the eastern border and five navigable rivers flowing 
from the western to her eastern confines, she has more miles of water 
communication, and with a more equal division of territory, than any 
other State in the Union. The St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 
Railway, passing from the northeast to the southwest corner of the 
State, crossing all the navigable rivers at right angles, skirting the 
foot hills of the Boston and Ozark Mountains, gives unusual facilities 
for the shipment of lumber of all kinds, such as is confined to lowlands 
or iiplands, placing within reach all the timber characteristic of ten 
degrees of latitude. What Arkansas needs most at present in order to 
receive the greatest benefit from her native forest, is the erection and 
operating of such manufactories as will fit her timbers for the use of 
consumers before transportation. With such in operation, making and 
rinding a home market, an important element would be added to the 
prosperity of her people. 

For the benefit of readers who are not familiar with the products of 
this State, we will state that more than sixty kinds of wood are found 
in sufficient quantity for commercial purposes, consisting in part of 
pine, oaks in variety, black walnut, cherry, holly, ash, hickory of every 
kind found on the American continent, cypress, poplar, gum, beach, 
pecan sycamore, elm, cottonwood, cedar, and many others; enabling 
Arkansas to supply her less favored neighbors with cheap building 
material and cabinet woods. 

A few years more and the opportunity to secure this timber at rea- 
sonable figures will be among the things of the past. The operators of 
saw mils, machinery, barrel works, wagon and agricultural shops and 
furniture establishments, are now attracted to these new lands and the 
forests. Formerly the timber was prepared roughly, to be finished in 
other places. For fine work there was scarcely a turning lathe in the 
country; yet the same materials repassed the railway, polished up for 



in 



ARKANSAS. 



sale to the people, and to iind markets eveu in Texas and Mexico. 
Now the woodworker seeks to establish his mill iu connection with the 




colonist, and thus, while one aids the other, constant labor is more 
regular for all. 



ARKANSAS. 41 



SPRINGS AND RESORTS. 



llN Arkansas are to be found many springs, whose waters hold in 
£ solution various kinds of minerals, which impart to them properties 
adapted for 'healing certain classes of diseases incidental to the human 
race. Nature provides her own remedies, and has been very profuse in 
scattering them throughout Arkansas. The many smaller springs to be 
found in the mountain districts are overshadowed by the fame of Hot 
Springs, Eureka, Searcy and Eavenden. There is scarcely a county in 
the mountainous country that does not number from one to many of 
these mineral springs within its borders. The only ones known, how- 
ever, outside of the State are thos i mentioned above, and the following 
brief description is as much as a work of this kind, which is devoted 
more particularly to the industrial resources of Arkansas, will allow : 

HOT SPRINGS. 

History gives us reasonable assurance that DeSoto discovered the Hot 
Springs, and spent one winter in camp at that point. They were known 
to the Indians long before the Avhite man's foot had wakened the forest 
echoes west of the Mississippi. The sick from all the surrounding- 
tribes were brought there to be cured of diseases that baffled their med- 
icine men. Their fame spread among all the southern .tribes, and it 
was from these reports that Ponce de Leon conceived the idea of the 
Fountain of Youth, for which he searched in vain for many weary 
years. The early French settlers were the first to discover the true 
value of these thermal springs for healing diseases. During the early 
part of the present century French settlers, trappers and voyagers, made 
< temporary use of these springs for the treatment of sick members of 
their families. Several log cabins were built in the valley, and they 
were refitted and used by any who chanced to come. 

The Hot Springs are situated on one of the lower spurs of the Ozark 
Mountains, about sixty miles southwest of Little Rock. The surface of 
the surrounding country is mountainous and broken enough to rob it of 
all monotony, and add a large item of interest to a sojourn in the health 
valley of Hot Springs. 



42 



ARKANSAS. 



These springs are reached from the North and East by way of St. 
Louis and the Iron Mountain route. Three trains every day run from 
St. Louis in connection with trains from all through trunk lines to that 




point, and are equipped with Pullman Buffet Sleeping Oars and Reclin- 
ing Chair Cars, the seats in which are free. Travelers from the South 



ARKANSAS. 43 

arrive at Texarkana and take the Iron Mountain route from that point. 
The Iron Mountain route may be taken from the East at Memphis, and 
passengers are carried from that point via Little Rock to Malvern, 
where the change is made to the Hot Springs Railroad to Hot Springs, 
a distance of twenty-five miles. 

These Springs are one of the great natural curiosities of the world. 
Seventy-two streams of hot mineral waters issue from the mountain 
side, from 50 to 75 feet above the valley, and from 650 to 700 feet above 
sea level, and pour their liquid streams of health forth for the afflicted 
of all the earth. It is established beyond a doubt that these waters 
have proven efficacious in many diseases where medical skill has been 
baffled. Certain classes of afflictions yield to their healing influence 
for which the medical art knows no remedy. They are, therefore, at 
the same time the Meca toward which the ill and afflicted turn for 
relief, but are -an object of curiosity for the sight-seer, and a favorite 
resort for the pleasure seeker and tourist. They are annually visited 
by thousands. Society is of the best, and many permanent and beauti- 
ful homes have been built. 

Scientists do not agree as to the curative properties of these waters. 

Physicians and others who have given the matter much study have 
not determined satisfactorily the medicinal virtues of the waters of any 
of the hot springs of the world. That they do possess them all admit, 
and that they perform some very remarkable cures none deny. Some 
contend that there is no preceptible difference between any of the hot 
springs, but class them all alike regarding their efficacy in the treat- 
ment of chronic diseases. All others have failed to prove any differ- 
ence, but it may be stated that there are a few facts known here to be 
true, which go far to prove that there may be a difference. Many 
invalids have visited the springs of Europe and after months of bathing 
in and drinking of their thermal waters failed to receive the desired cure 
they afterwards found at the Hot Springs of Arkansas. May there be 
truth in the claim maintained by our physicians that these waters are 
more efficacious in the treatment of some forms of chronic diseases than 
any known. 

The following diseases are successfully treated, the failure to cure 
being the exception ; where a perfect cure is not effected, a benefit is 
experienced by all where the waters are properly used : Rheumatism, 
Gout, Scrofula, Paralysis, Neuralgia, Ozena, Catarrh, Sore Throat, 
Syphilis — acquired or hereditary, in all its different forms — Asthma, 



A I ARKANSAS. 

Gravel, Diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder, Eczema, Psoriasis, 
Uticaria, Impetigo, Prurigo, Rupia, Chronic Ulcers, Glandular En- 
largements, Ring Worm, Migraine or Sick Headache, Enlarged Tonsils, 
Menstruation Troubles and Sterility. This is a long list, yet the truth 
is not half told. Not a week passes but some remarkable cures are 
affected where all hope of recovery had been abandoned before a visit 
to these Springs had been concluded upon. 

An important item to visitors, and especially to the invalid, is a £Ood 
hotel. Considering the unsettled condition of land titles for years, 
which prevented the erection of substantial brick or stone houses, the 
mountainous country for miles around the springs, and the distance 
from good markets at which to get supplies, several of the hotels of Hot 
Springs may be considered first-class. Some of them are large and 
well-built houses, and are kept much better than visitors usually 
expect. 

The Arlington and Avenue Hotels — the largest in the State — can 
accommodate over 300 guests each; the Sumpter, Plateau and Waverly 
Hotels have room for about 100 each. With all the improvements now 
being made at the different hotels and boarding-houses, and the new 
ones that are being added to the list, there will soon be accommoda- 
tions for 4,000 or 5,000 visitors at one time, and allowing thirty days as 
an average time for visitors to remain here, there could be entertained 
at our hotels and boarding-houses 50,000 visitors in one year. 

There are ten or twelve houses that justly may be called hotels ; the 
others are only boarding-houses, though some of them give as good fare 
and accommodations as are to be had at some of the hotels. Private 
boarding-houses are numerous, and there is quite a difference between 
the cheapest boarding-houses and the high-priced hotel — $4 to $25 
being the range of prices per week. 

RAVENDEN SPRINGS. 

These perfectly pure Avaters come gushing from the base of a cliff 
almost perpendicular, clear as crystal and very cold. Alongside runs a 
small mountain stream, except in spots, where, with the work of ages, 
it has made for its waters beautiful pools, some of them twelve and fif- 
teen feet deep. 

The country is picturesque and romantic; its elevation assuring pure 
air and pleasant, comfortable nights, even during the summer months. 
Plenty of game abounds throughout the surrounding hills and valleys; 



ARKANSAS. 45 

and within a few miles fish fit to tempt the palate of an epicure can 
he easily taken from Spring river, which is as clear, sparkling and beau- 
tiful as its name would indicate. 

Although these springs have been known "but a few years, yet they 
have a record of many remarkable cures of diseases. They are es- 
pecially noted for curing dyspepsia, diseased eyes and affections of the 
kidneys. Their discovery arose from the cure of a case of dyspepsia of 
years' standing, the victim of that dread disease being a citizen of that 
locality and accidentally led to the use of the water. They are situated 
in the northwest corner of Randolph county, some thirty miles west of 
the Iron Mountain road. This long ride by stage has deterred many 
from going, but now that the opening of the Kansas City, Springfield 
& Memphis road brings the traveler within four miles of Ravenden, 
many will seek these waters who could not dare to venture heretofore. 

SEARCY SPRINGS. 

The White Sulphur Springs are located at Searcy, in White county, 
Ark., m the northwestern part of the State and are situated directly on 
the line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway. They 
are possessed of great healing properties and are growing in popularity 
every year. Hotel accommodations are good and Searcy is one of the 
most enterprising and progressive towns in the State. 



4ft 



ARKANSAS. 



HUNTING AND FISHING IN ARKANSAS. 



T^JOAV many fishermen and hunters have sought patiently the realiza- 
$&\ tion of their dream of a sportsman's paradise and yet found it 
not — a charmed spot, where fish and game were not yesterday, alas ! or 
will not be to-morrow, but are ever present targets for shot and ball, 
and eager for the gaudy fiy and shining minnow. To unhappy anglers 
who have suffered through long marches and gone unrewarded, or have 
traveled far for little sport, the lakes and 
rivers of Arkansas may be commended 
with a clear conscience. 

Arkansas is truly the paradise of the 
sportsman. The tide of indus- 
trial progress 
rolling west- 
ward drove 
the game be- 
fore it. The 
northwest, the 
favorite hunt- 
i n g grounds 
for years, is 
becoming rap- 
idly depopu- 
lated of bird 
and beast. In 
Arkansas only 
of the Missis- 
sippi valley 
States is to be 
found nearly 

all the original varieties of wild animals, birds and fishes. It is 
true the larger game is disappearing before the rapid settlement of 
the State. Bear are still found in some of the more sparsely popu- 
lated mountain districts, while deer are plentiful, and can be frequently 
seen from the windows of moving trains quietly feeding or drinking 




AKKANSAS. 



47 



from the numerous streams. Smaller game of all varieties is abundant. 
The rivers and mountain streams are full of choice varieties of fish. 
Trout, croppie and bass swarm the smaller streams, eager for the fish- 
erman's bait. The fisherman who goes to Arkansas always reports 
unparalleled success, and he brings the proofs with him. 

Arkansas, throughout the whole State, is well stocked with game and 
fish. There are some parts, however, that, for obvious reasons, are bet- 
ter adapted to desirable sport of this kind than others. In the more 
sluggish rivers or bayous draining the low land near and immediately 

tributary t o 
the Mississip- 
pi river there 
are numerous 
varieties of 
fish, but not 
of the kind 
known to the 
sportsman as 
game fish ; 
these are found 
farther away 
from the large 
rivers in the 
higher alti- 
tudes of the 
State, in the 
mountain riv- 
ers and creeks. 
That portion 
of the State 
lying on the eastern slope of the Ozark 
mountains is intersected at frequent intervals by rivers and streams 
thathave their source up among the mountains. These are well stocked 
with trout, bass, salmon, croppie and shad, while the larger streams 
have, in addition, perch, buffalo, red-horse and catfish. This is also 
the best part of the State for hunting. The largest game is found in 
the mountains. The hunter will sometimes, in the more remote locali- 
ties, encounter a bear which he can easily bag if he is prepared for 
such large game. Deer are more plentiful, and during the season so 




IN THE OZARK MOUNTAINS, 
ARKANSAS. 



48 ARKANSAS. 

great is the number killed that venison is the cheapest meat in the 
market. The smaller game, such as squirrel, turkey, quail, etc. , abound 
in great profusion. 

Following the universal inquiry in regard to the best hunting and 
fishing grounds of Arkansas, the General Passenger Department of the 
Iron Mountain Route has undertaken to compile a list of the points on 
its lines where hunting and fishing are good— the names of the streams, 
lakes and hunting resorts, and the varieties of game and fish to be 
found. As there has never been any detailed or reliable information 
given on this subject, considerable care has been taken in collecting the 
material for this article, looking toward accuracy, reliability and 
thoroughness of detail. The facts were furnished by residents of the 
localities here represented, and the reports would be given verbatim 
were it not that the space allotted for this article demands a conden- 
sation. 

Entering Arkansas these points are taken up in their order toward 
the southward on the main line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & 
Southern Railway and branches. 

"The Sportsman's Retreat, 1 ' Corning, lays claim to a position at 
the head of the procession in hunting and fishing. It is on the Iron 
Mountain Main Line and that famous fishing resort "Corning Lake" 
is only half a mile away. This lake is well-stocked with bass and 
pickerel and boats can be procured at any time for a trifle. But three 
miles from Corning flows the famous Black river which throughout its 
whole length is unsurpassed for the quality and quantity of. its game 
fish. 

Small houses for hunting parties have been built on the banks of this 
river which may be rented at small cost. Beyond Black river is a large 
tract of country known as "Deer Range," where large numbers of that 
choice variety of game are to be found. Deer are slaughtered here 
every season without limit and shipped to northern markets; turkeys, 
squirrels and other small game abound on the "Range." 

Knobel is one of the first towns on the main line after crossing the 
Arkansas State line. Black bass, jack salmon and croppie are caught 
in good numbers in Mill lake three and one half miles distant, Maiden 
lake two and one half miles, Allen lake four miles, Black river two 
and one half miles and the famous Cache river six miles distant. Deer, 
turkey and squirrels abound in the hunting grounds about Knobel and 



ARKANSAS. 



49 



from six to eight miles out. Good hotel accommodations, guides and 
wagons are furnished at Knobel. 

Gainesville on the Helena Branch has St. Francis lake in its 
vicinity which affords fine fishing as well as hunting. Trout, 
perch, carp, buffalo and catfish are ready to accommodate the 



told by hunters 
turkeys, otter and 



fisherman and all the stories 
of the capture of bear, deer, 
other game in this vicinity can 
be relied on implicitly. 

Martanna is on the Hele- 
na Branch not far from the 
mouth of the St. Francis riv- 
er and near the confluence 
of the L'Anguille, with 
the St. Francis. Large 
quantities o f 
buffalo and 
catfish are ta- 
ken from these 
rivers by 
northern fish 
dealers for the 
markets. 

White perch, 
bass, etc., are 
caught by lo- 
cal anglers in 
profusion. 

Between the 
two rivers just 
before their 

junction is a large tract of unsettled country which is the natural 
home of all kinds of game from the smallest to the largest. It is the 
chosen haunt of the bear and deer, and panthers are occasionally 
encountered. Small game exists without limit. 

Walnut Ridge is on the main line of the Iron Mountain Route ex- 
actly in the heart of the famous Black and Cache rivers fishing grounds. 
Here is to be found some of the finest fishing and hunting in the State. 
These streams are within eight miles of the town and any quantity of 




■p^ ON THE BLACK RIVER, 
-*r_£* ARKANSAS. 



50 ARKANSAS. 

bass, croppie, white perch, buffalo, catfish and trout are easily captured. 
In addition to these celebrated rivers there are several small lakes in this 
vicinity abounding in game fish. The bottoms of these rivers are as 
noted for game as the rivers themselves for fish. Deer, turkeys, squirrels 
and quails are very plentiful. A record of five deer and twen ty-five 
turkeys in one day by one man speaks in glowing terms of this locality 
as a hunting resort. Large numbers of hunters annually visit this spot 
from Indiana, Illinois and Missouri and never go away empty handed. 

Hoxie is on the main line, at the junction of the Kansas City, Spring- 
field & Memphis Eoad, and reports excellent hunting and fishing in all 
directions. The Cache river is a little east of the town and on ac- 
count of the bottoms being sparsely settled, it is full of all kinds of 
game and affords first-class hunting and fishing as well. The best Ash- 
ing in this vicinity, however, is found at Clear Lake, a few miles west. 
The famous Black river is only eight miles away, from which can be 
taken here, as well as at other points, the usual complement of trout, 
bass, perch and catfish. 

Swifton has in its vicinity Village creek, Black, White, Cache and 
Strawberry rivers, Hollingshead and Clear lakes, which are all noted 
for line fishing; the varieties caught being cat, buffalo, trout, bass, 
croppie, white and sun perch. East and west of Swifton there is a vast 
tract of country, thinly settled, infested with deer, Avolves, wild cats. 
squirrels, wild turkeys and numerous small game. There is plenty of 
pure, clear water, splendid camping facilities and it is the happy hunting 
ground of the Nimrod. 

Newpokt is one of the important towns 011 the main line of the 
Iron Mountain Route. Waldo lake is about five miles from the city, 
Gambols lake about four and Burgon lake only three. Cache river 
flows near and affords some of the finest fishing in the State. The va- 
rieties of fish caught in this vicinity are black bass, striped bass, crop- 
pie, salmon, pike and all kinds of perch. There is excellent fishing and 
hunting on the White river which is easily accessible from this point. 
The game that abounds in this vicinity is deer, turkeys, ducks squirrels 
and quails, excellent facilities for boats and guides. 

At Batesville on the White river branch is some of the finest scen- 
ery in the State, it being in a mountainous region. It is also the center 
of first-class sporting grounds, being located on the east bank of the 
White river. Polk Bayou, Spring and Miller's creeks and Spring Creek 



AKKANSAS. 51 

lake teem with cat, goggle-eyed perch, sun perch, trout, pike, striped 
bass, black bass, croppie, salmon, white perch, sturgeon, buffalo and 
drum fish. These waters are all easily accessible from the city which 
is an enterprising one and has excellent hotel accommodations. The 
hunting grounds are the forests and hills around the town, and deer, quail, 
turkey, teal duck; mallards, rabbits, squirrels, prairie chicken, wood- 
cock and snipe can be taken in great quantities. 




IDEAL HUNTING GROUNDS, ARKANSAS. 

Bradford is also a good town on the main line and is washed by 
that famous fishing stream, the White river, m which are to be found 
bass, trout, perch, etc. Big lake is one mile east and the water is so 
clear that the bottom can be seen at a depth of twenty feet. Little lake 
is one mile south and of about the same description as Big lake. There 
are numerous smaller lakes within a radius of three miles, in which are 
large quantities of bass, trout and all varieties of perch. Deer and tur- 
key are found plentifully in their season and an occasional bear, at all 
times the smaller game abounds. In the mountains ten miles west 
there are all of the above varieties in large quantities. 



52 ARK \\s.\s. 

RUSSELL is on the main line north of Bald Knob Junction and is four 
miles from White river which is noted for its fine bass, cat, trout and 
drum fishing. The hunting is good also, and game consists of deer, 
turkey and bear, and smaller game in large quantities. 

Memphis is now the eastern terminus of the Memphis Extension of 
the Iron Mountain Route, and the completion of that branch made ac- 
cessible, both from the east and west, a large tract of country unsettled 
and wild and hitherto unaccessible, but which had long been known to 
abound in all kinds of game and fish. No point can be said to surpass 
another for hunting and fishing on this whole line, but at any point the 
sportsman chooses to embark he will find plenty of food for his ammu- 
nition and fish eager to snap his bait. The first train from Memphis 
took a party of hunters from that place and almost immediately on its 
opening the Bald Knob Rod and Gun Club was organized with head- 
quarters at Earle, where they have erected a club house. 

The following are the varieties of fish found • black bass, speckled 
perch, brim, goggle eye and pike. In game: bear, panther and wolf 
hunting will afford exciting sport enough for the most fastidious. 
While, if he is not seeking such fierce game, he will find ample enjoy- 
ment in bringing down deer, turkey, geese, duck, quail; rabbits, squir- 
rel, etc. 

Jacksonville is on the main line of the Iron Mountain Route, just 
north of Little Rock and in the spring very good fishing is found in 
Bayou Meto, Hills and Fears lakes, the varieties caught being cat, buf- 
falo, trout, white perch, brim and bass. Plenty of boats may be had at 
these lakes. 

At McAlmont, six miles north of Little Rock, on the main line of the 
Iron Mountain Route, both hunting and fishing in season are of the very 
best quality. Hills lake is five miles east, Frammel lake one mile, Pee- 
lar lake two miles, and Ink Bayou only one-half mile east of the town, all 
abounding in white and black bass, pike, perch, trout and catfish. Brush 
Island is three miles west and is considered very good hunting ground. 
Deer, turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbits and all the smaller game that can 
be found in any part of the State are the legitimate prey of the hunter. 
There is good wild goose and duck shooting also, in the proper season, 
and many follow it as a profitable business making five and six dollars a 
day 

At Traskwood, the first station north of Malvern, the fishing is ex- 
cellent. The Saline river is about two miles from the railroad and red 



ARKANSAS. 



53 



horse, catfish, perch, pike, buffalo and shad are found in great numbers 
Gigging is the favorite method of fishing and it always results in a large 
catch. In the matter of hunting the larger game is not so abundant, 
but squirrel, rabbits and snipe are plentiful in and near the bottoms of 

the Saline river, 
and quail in the 
uplands. 

Donaldson 
is the first sta- 
tion south of 
Malvern and 
boasts of the 
best hunting 
and fishing in 
Arkansas. The 
waters of Still- 
water lake, 
Ouachita river 
and Pine Flat 
creek are as 
clear as crystal 
and a pin can 
be seen lying at 
the bottom at a 
depth of ten feet 
So clear is the 
Avater and so 
great the varie- 
ty and number 
of fish, that fish- 
ing with a hook 
is very rarely 
undertaken. 

Hunting Scene— Arkansas. The gig or 

gun, is used, and it is no uncommon feat to shoot a thirty or forty 
pound buffalo. Deer are abundant, and great numbers of turkeys, 
squirrels, quails, and an occasional bear are to be found in the vicinity. 
All this excellent hunting and fishing is to be found within two miles 
and a half of the town. Flowing from the ground, at frequent intervals 




54 'ARKANSAS. 

in this locality, are springs of clear, cold water which afford unsur- 
passed camping places for hunting parties. 

Gurdon is south of Little Bock, on the main line. There is very 
good fishing here, and perch, cat and trout are found in Caney and 
Terre Noir creeks and -Little Reel river. In the shape of game, deer and 
turkey afford fine shooting in season ; squirrel and quails are abun- 
dant also. 

Camden is the terminus of the Camden branch and is thirty-four 
miles from the main line. This is one of the oldest towns in the State 
and is built on the banks of the Ouachita river. Mustin, Bradley's, 
Woodard, Johnson, Pine, Mormon, Blue and Fishers' lakes are all from 
three to five miles from Camden, and all reached by good wagon roads 
in from thirty minutes to one hour. These, with the Ouachita river, 
furnish good fishing, and the varieties caught are the black bass, trout 
and white perch. The hunting is also good, the surrounding country 
abounding in deer, turkey, squirrel and ducks. The hotel accommoda- 
tions are excellent. 

Russelville is on the Little Rock & Fort Smith division, and re- 
ports good fishing. Illinois bayou, Piney and Arkansas rivers, and 
smaller streams tributary to them, are well stocked with bass, cat, buf- 
falo and other varieties of fish. The troll, bait and seine are used with 
equal success. 

Atkins is on the Little Rock & Fort Smith division. Trout, bass, 
perch, drum, cat and buffalo fish are caught in large numbers in the 
Arkansas river, Galla creek, Point JBetnore creek and Fish lake. Quail, 
squirrel, rabbits, opossum and other small game are plentiful. The 
Boston mountains are forty' or fifty miles from the town and abound in 
deer and turkeys, and bears are frequently taken. 

Piney is as good a point for fishing and hunting as can be found on 
the Little Rock & Fort Smith division. They have the Arkansas river, 
and Big and Little Piney creeks for fishing. The creeks are clear and 
no current, affording very fine fishing for game fish, i. e., trout, bass, 
salmon, cat, drum and perch of all kinds. On the first of September 
hunters will commence their annual campaign on deer and turkeys, 
which are found on the mountains. The hunting grounds for quail, 
squirrels, rabbits and jack rabbits of all kinds are on either side of the 
Arkansas river and up the creek bottoms. Wild geese and ducks are 
plentiful on the sand-bars of the river in the winter season. 



ARKANSAS. 55 

Spadra is the first station on the Little Eock & Fort Smith division 
west of Clarksville. Spadra creek is fed by mountain springs. Its 
waters are clear as crystal, and abound in mountain trout and a fine va- 
riety of perch. The scenery along this stream has long been noted for 
its beauty and picturesqueness, and its rocky banks, resembling an 
Adirondack stream. The Arkansas river is near, where all the larger 
varieties of fish are found. In hunting, deer is the largest game. Tur- 
keys, ducks and squirrels furnish ample sport for the hunter in their 
season. Higher up on the mountains great sport is afforded in hunting 
the gray fox, which is very plentiful and valuable for its fur. 

Fort Smith is the western terminus of the Little Rock & Fort Smith 
division, and the region around about, especially to the north, south 
and west is one vast hunting and fishing paradise. The streams near the 
city, in which black bass, pike, croppie and catfish abound, are Lees 
creek, Vache Grasse and Frog bayou in the State, and the Poteau and 
Illinois rivers and Vian and Salisaw creeks in the- Territory . The fish- 
ing is excellent, but for genuine sport the hunter, with his gun and dog 
has the call here. This sport is not confined to any particular locality, 
but parties are organized and excursions are made a hundred miles to 
the north, south and west, all of which territory is a vast hunting 
ground abounding in all kinds of game. The hunter will go prepared 
for encounters with panther, bear, cougars, wolves and wild-cats, which 
will be frequently met while shooting deer, foxes, turkeys, quails, ducks 
and chickens. Local sportsmen are to be found who are always ready 
to join and assist in expeditions of this kind. 

Wrightsville is twelve miles south of Little Rock, on the Arkansas 
City division, and, as a center for hunting and fishing, is unsurpassed. 
It is three miles from the Arkansas river, two and one-half miles from 
Horseshoe lake, and one mile from Pennington lake, which is fed by 
Fish creek. Buffalo, pike, bass, cat, white perch, trout and sun fish 
are on the constant lookout for the fisherman's hook. Commencing at 
Pennington lake and extending westward to the Saline river is an ex- 
panse of uninhabited region known as Pennington Forest. This is 
composed of pine and cypress timber, with large tracts of jungle and 
cypress brakes. Bear, deer and turkey have their favorite haunts here 
and small game abounds in unlimited quantities. 

Hensley is on the Arkansas City section south of Little Rock. Pick- 
erel, bass, pike, buffalo and speckled trout are plentiful in the Arkansas 



56 



ARKANSAS. 



river and Harris, Remington and Kirkindol lakes. There is good goose 
and duck shooting in the spring and fall. 

Redfield is on the Arkansas City section south of Hensley. and deer, 
turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail and pheasant abound in large quantities in 
that vicinity, and the hunter will not have to go beyond a radius of ten 
miles from town to satisfy his desire to kill something. In the way of fish- 
ing, Harris and Lipscomb lakes, the Arkansas river, Bitter, Camp and Har- 
rison creeks are all within three and a half miles of Redtield and are well 
stocked with black bass, trout, jack perch, grinnell, cattish and buffalo. 

Jefferson Springs is between Little Rock and Pine Bluff, on the 
Arkansas City section, and has for fishing waters the Arkansas river and 
its bayous, in which are , 
found cat-fish, perch, black 
bass and several other varie- 
ties in abundance. The 
woods in this vicinity have 
plenty of deer, foxes, rabbits, 
opossum, squirrels, and, in 
their season, turkeys, geese, 
ducks and quail. Pigeons 
are also to be found in great 
numbers. 

Pine Bluff is the most 
important city on the Ar- 
kansas City division of the St. L., I. M. & S. Ry., south of Little Rock, 
and is the center of excellent hunting and fishing territory. The Saline 
river, Atkins lake, Walnut lake and Clear lake abound in mountain 
trout, speckled perch, black bass, catfish, etc., and splendid camping- 
facilities are to be found around these lakes. The shootiug is also 
fine, and deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, grouse, quail and duck are 
easily bagged. Occasionally a bear may be met, but they are becoming 
scarce. Foxes are so common that fox-hunting has ceased to be sport 
f or ihe old hunters. The winter is very dry and pleasant, and after the 
first of October this is a veritable hunter's paradise. 

Noble Lake, on the Arkansas City section, has in its vicinity the 
Arkansas river, Atkins lake and Noble lake, which are well -stocked 
with trout, catfish, buffalo, speckled perch, white perch and sunfish. 
The whole country about this place is a vast hunting ground in which 
are found large quantities of deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, 
geese, ducks and quails. 




AKKANSAS. 57 



SOCIETY IN ARKANSAS 



§OCIETY in Arkansas is not in a chaotic and unorganized state, as 
some are led to suppose by "Arkansas Traveler" stories and other 
reports that have their foundation, if any at all, in isolated cases. The 
people do not engage three-fourths of their time in idleness, ruffianism 
and outlawry. It is a mistake that citizens of Arkansas carry pistols 
and bowie knives in their pockets in place of carpenters' rules and plug 
tobacco. 

Arkansas is one of the strongest of temperance States. The sentiment 
against liquor took early hold on the minds of its people, and to-day it 
is one of the most advanced prohibition States. There are seventy -five 
"counties in the State of Arkansas. By a popular vote of the citizens prohi- 
bition has been adopted in about four-fifths of these counties. There 
is not so much noise made in Arkansas on the temperance question as 
in some of her sister States. In fact, it is scarcely known out- 
side of the State that there is any movement at all in that direc- 
tion. This question is not taken into politics, but is settled quietly 
by the popular vote. When once adopted there is an end of it. There 
is no foolishness wasted in the enforcement of the laAV. County prohi- 
bition once adopted, it means there will be no liquor sold in that county, 
and there is none. There are no half-way measures. On the whole 
Iron Mountain route in Arkansas, between the Missouri and Texas State 
lines, there are but two places where intoxicating beverages can be ob- 
tained. This is a splendid showing for Arkansas on the side of public 
morals and good government. It gives a direct contradiction to false re- 
ports concerning the generally bad character of the Arkansas citizen. 
Where can it be surpassed? You of Puritan New England, can yon 
make a better showing? 

In the matter of education also, Arkansas occupies no second posi- 
tion. In addition to the large amount of lands reserved for school 
purposes, all assessable property is taxed ten mills on the dollar and a 
poll tax of one dollar on every male citizen of Arkansas goes into the 
general school fund. Through these channels is provided a large 



58 ARKANSAS. 

amount of money for building school houses and paying good teachers, 
so that the children of Arkansas parents are as well provided with edu- 
cational facilities as those of any State in the Union. No one need 
hesitate about coming to Arkansas for fear that his children will not 
receive an education equal to his own or to what they might be able to 
obtain in any other State. If a higher education is desired, Arkansas 
can furnish this also. It will be as surprising to the outsider to learn 
that Arkansas has unsurpassed facilities for advanced education as that 
it is a temperance State. Every town has its well equipped and graded 
high school and, in addition, there are, in different parts of the State, 
numerous State and denominational colleges. No, don't be afraid of 
Arkansas on account of Munchausen reports of ignorance and crime. 
Don't come to Arkansas with the expectation of having to shoot your 
way to wealth and fame. If it has been necessary to carry a revolver to 
defend yourself in the State from whence you come, don't keep it loaded 
or concealed about your person when you come to Arkansas. You are 
a law-breaker whom the State of Arkansas, in its present backward 
condition of civilization thinks it necessary to place in very narrow 
limits for a short time or pay an exemplary sum into the judicial 
treasury. What most forcibly strikes the stranger who is thrown in 
contact with the people of Arkansas is the large proportion of college 
and educated men among the business and professional men of the 
State. Wide-awake business men, intelligent of outside affairs, enter- 
prising and progressive in their business, cultured and sociable, deeply 
interested in the advancement of their State, are the rule. The leading 
men of the State are from all parts of the country. Like all new States, 
very few of the foremost men in public affairs and private enterprises 
were born within the State borders. From the North, from the East 
and from the South men meet on the soil of Arkansas in a friendly 
rivalry for individual success and unite in a fraternal light for the ad- 
vancement of their State to the front rank, industrially, socially, educa" 
tionally and religiously. 

In the elements that make a desirable state of society the churches 
always hold an important place, and, in considering the advantages of 
a new State, an opinion will be formed, more or less correctly, by the 
disposition of the people toward religion. Among a peace-loving and 
law-abiding people this valuable adjunct of society, it is naturally 
expected, will receive a large degree of attention. The same God is wor- 
shiped in Arkansas as in Massachusetts. There are, perhaps, not so 



ARKANSAS. 59 

many costly bellfries and spires in Arkansas, nor do those they have 
reach so far toward heaven, but earnest prayers are plentiful and gen- 
erous deeds as frequent. There may not be so much outward 
show, the purple and fine linen of Christianity, but its spirit is 
manifested in the warm hearts and the generosity and hospitality of 
tbe people. Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics and the 
minor sects are all represented with comfortable and commodious 
churches in all quarters of the State. If you are coming to Arkansas 
with your plow, your hoe and axe, bring along your Bible, Testament 
and prayer-book. The only implements in use by modern civilization 
that you will have no use for in Arkansas, and which the State will op- 
pose your bringing, are the demijohn, bowie knife and pistol. Every 
community, village, town and city has its church or churches. The 
fear of a loss of such privileges need deter no one from coming. 

It will be found that Arkansas is well provided with all that makes a 
desirable state of society. Life in Arkansas does not mean an exist- 
ence in the wilderness among semi-barbarians. In Arkansas may be 
found all those influences that refine, elevate and ennoble life. 



IMMIGRATION. 



M N impression has gained wide credence, and still wider circulation, 
Jill that Arkansas did not want immigration, particularly that en- 
terprising kind from the North and East. This is owing to two causes, 
stupidity and maliciousness. There was a time, immediately following 
the war, during the reconstruction period, when the people of Arkan- 
sas conceived a hatred for Northern people. The adventurers and office- 
hunters that overran the State in hungry hordes were entirely responsi- 
ble for this feeling. When their support was withdrawn, and they were 
driven out by an indignant people, their attention was then turned to 
other things. They gave their energies to retrieving their fortunes 
and buildiug up the State. They saw they were able to succeed but 



60 ARKANSAS. 

slowly by their own unaided efforts. They wanted capital and im- 
proved methods of farming - . They knew it could come only from the 
North. But here came the second obstacle to their progress. They 
wanted earnest citizens who were willing to work like themselves to get 
a home, and capital to develop their resources. When attention was 
called to their cheap and excellent lands, their mineral, lumber and 
other resources, certain maliciously disposed people and newspapers at 
the North, who for political reasons desired to keep alive the animosi- 
ties of the war for base purposes, raised a cry that a Northern man 
could not live in Arkansas. He would be warned to leave; personal 
violence would be used, or at least he would be ostracised, cut off from 
all intercourse with mankind about him, and, in other unmistakable 
ways, shown that he was not wanted in the community. In spite of all 
*his, a few earnest men at the North found their way to Arkansas. 
They were welcomed, and all the encouragement and assistance 
rendered that the impoverished condition of a hospitable people would 
permit. They communicated with their friends. Gradually the false 
impression born of malevolence gave way. Owing to the overwhelm- 
ing evidence of the desire of the people of Arkansas for Northern im- 
migration, only sporadic attempts are now made to revive sectional 
feeling by the more venal portions of the Northern press purely for 
political effect. 

The citizens of Arkansas are unanimous on the question of immigra- 
tion. 

Responding to a call of Governor Ilughes,over three hundred delegates 
from the different counties of Arkansas assembled at Little Rock, Jan. 
31, 1888, and organized a State bureau of immigration. 

In opening the convention Governor Hughes made the following 
telling speech • 

ADDRESS OF GOV. HUGHES. 

Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens: It gives me great pleasure to extend 
to you a cordial welcome upon this occasion, and to state to you that 
the object of this convention is to devise ways and means to increase 
the population, the prosperity, the wealth and greatness of our State. 

The progressive spirit, which is manifest in almost unanimous appro- 
bation of the object of this gathering from all parts of the State, and 
from other States, is a gratifying and hopeful sign. It indicates that 
we need, desire and are determined to have more people, more muscle. 
brains and enterprise, and that we mean to make known the great natural 
advantages and wealth of Arkansas to the outside world, and are deter- 
mined to push her into the front rank, where she belongs by nature of 



ARKANSAS. 61 

right. We know that she abounds in all the material elements of 
wealth and greatness ; that she has over 2,000,000 acres of State lands to 
be donated to actual settlers, and that there are within her borders 
about 5,000,000 acres of public lands of the United States subject to 
homestead entry, to be had in 160 acre tracts at a cost of not over $20 
per tract, and other cheap lands. That many of these lands have 
gathered fertility from the repose of centuries; that the climate of Ar- 
kansas is equable, genial and healthful and free from extremes of heat 
and cold, and those terrible blizzards that, in many States, have re- 
cently filled the land with death, destitution and mourning. We know 
that these lands will produce fine Indian corn, wheat, oats, clover and 
other grasses, vegetables and melons, berries and small fruit in rich 
abundance, not to mention cotton, the staple production of the world, 
in which we excel every other State in the quantity grown per acre and 
the quality of the fibre, as evidenced at the World's Exposition at New 
Orleans in 1884 and 1885, and elsewhere; or apples, in the excellence, 
beauty, flavor and value of which we have excelled in all competition 
at New Orleans, Louisville, St. Louis and Boston at the meeting of the 
American Pomological Society in 1886. We are rich in timber, having 
30,000 square miles of grand forests, of the most valuable varieties, 
with pine alone enough to make more than 40,000,000.000 feet of lum- 
ber, rich in minerals — having over 12,000 square miles of coal fields — 
an abundance of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, marble, granite, lime- 
stone, lithograph and soapstone, and clay unsurpassed in quality. 

We have a greater length of navigable streams than any State in the 
Union— between 3,000 and 4,000 miles. 

We have an excellent State constitution, good statute laws, a small 
State debt which we are now paying off, a low rate of taxation — the 
State taxes all told being only 5 mills on the dollar ; our free school sys- 
tem is liberal and vigorous, being supported by a State school tax of 2 
mills on the dollar and a 5 mills district school tax voluntarily voted by 
the people in nearly all the school districts of the State. We are pay- 
ing more for free school education in proportion to our taxable values 
than any State in the Union. Our population has doubled within the 
last decade ; our lumber and saw mill interests have quadrupled in the 
last five years, and Arkansas is decidedly on the upgrade. Her rail- 
roads, too, have kept pace with her growth, and the railroad men, who 
are always enterprising, energetic and liberal, are here with their 
shoulders' to the wheel, ready, willing and anxious to push forward with 
accelerated speed the car of progress. What are we going to do here 
now? We cannot lie supinely; we must either do something or get out 
of the way, or be crushed by the wheels of advancement and progress 
that are rolling over the land from ocean to ocean and from lake to 
gulf. What are wonderfully productive soil, magnificent forests, inex- 
haustible mineral wealth, grand rivers, bright skies and all nature's rich 
abundance worth without development, utilization and subserviency to 
the great ends of a high and advanced civilization? 

The fundamental element of the wealth, strength and greatness of any 
State is an abundant, thrifty, good population, which will bring into 
cultivation its lands, develop its minerals, increase its taxable values, 
reduce its rate of taxation, build homes, public roads, school-houses, 
churches, towns, cities, manufactories, increase railroad facilities, cause 
the desert to blossom as the rose, and become the home of millions of 
intelligent, free, virtuous and happy people. 

As a means of accomplishing these great ends the State should have 
an agricultural, mining and manufacturing bureau, which should be a 
bureau of statistics and immigration also. 

We need more than a million of people added to our present popula- 
tion. Then let us organize a State immigration society, with local 



62 ARKANSAS. 

societies, and when immigrants come to our State, let us be prepared to 
show them around and pay them some attention, and let us invite good 
people everywhere to come, by advertising our advantages, and a 
new era in Arkansas will date from the meeting of this immigration 
convention. 

Col. Logan. H. Roots was elected President, Gen'l Mandridge McRae, 
Vice-President, Hon. H. L. Remmel, Secretary and Geo. H. Brown, 
Treasurer. Of these gentlemen Gov. Hughes was born in Tennessee, 
Col. Roots, in Illinois, Gen. McRae in the South and Mr. Remmel and 
Mr. Brown in New York State. These are representative business men 
of the State, are from all parts of the country and their names are a 
guarantee of the integrity and substantiality of any enterprise in which 
they engage. The State Bureau of Immigration, in addition to the other 
necessary general officers , is made up of one member from each county 
in the State, and its object will be clearly indicated by the following 
report of the Committee on Resolutions appointed by the Governor, 
Judge E. W Kimball, Chairman. 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. 

Whekeas, Arkansas possesses natural resources \insurpassed by any 
State in the Union, and in many respects superior to all others, which, 
when developed, will exalt her into a Commonwealth of prosperity, hap- 
piness and power, and enable her to assume that high position among 
her sister States to which she is justly entitled ; and 

Whereas, Her citizens, accustomed daily to witness her vast re- 
sources, are just now beginning to understand her great capabilities, 
and to feel that they should only be seen and known by others to be 
fully appreciated; and believing that new immigration and new capital, 
blended with her natural resources, will rapidly develop Arkansas and 
advance her among the foremost of the American States ; therefore be 
it 

Resolved, That this convention of the citizens of Arkansas, represent- 
ing all classes of her people, have convened by the call of the chief mag- 
istrate, hereby organize and establish the Arkansas State Bureau of 
Immigration, for the purpose of gathering, publishing and distributing 
statistics of maps, reports and other reading matter respecting the agri- 
cultural, manufacturing, educational, mining, railroad and other inter- 
ests of the State, and of encouraging and promoting immigration to 
Arkansas. 

Pursuant to the object stated above, steps were at once taken for the 
collection of the proper material for a pamphlet on the resources and 
advantages of the State of Arkansas. Statistics and descriptive matter 
on agriculture in all its branches, especial attention being given to the 
adaptability of the State to fruit raising, an exposition of the mineral 
and lumber resources, educational and social advantages, etc., of the 
State. This is not a boom publication, nor are the statements over- 
drawn or filled with the buncombe which characterizes this class of pub- 
lications. It is a careful compilation of facts, made by thoughtful, 
earnest and reliable men, and can be read with profit by all who contem- 



ABKANSAS. 63 

plate changing their location with a view of bettering their condition. 
A copy of this publication may be had by addressing the State Bureau 
of Immigration, Little Kock, Ark. 

Already the effect of this organized effort is being felt in more ways 
than one throughout the State and country. Increased intelligence all 
over the United States in regard to Arkansas is observed. Inquiries are 
daily pouring in from all quarters in regard to her resources. The tide 
of immigration is setting steadily and surely toward Arkansas. 

"The first low wash of waves 
Where soon shall roll a human sea." 

Many of - the counties show a gratifying increase for the past year. 
Some are just commencing to feel the effects of the human tide. That 
Arkansas will experience a boom the coming year all indications show. 
Many of the recruits to the ranks of industry will come from Dakota, 
Nebraska and many other of the Northwest States and Territories. 

The Arkansas traveler of the present is the commercial traveler. 
His stories are more appropriate to the condition of the State to-day 
than the tales of. the old Arkansas traveler. The two twin modern 
civilizers are the commercial traveler and the railway train. They 
go together— if the commercial traveler has paid his fare. 

The following are the words of Judge Kimball, President of the Ex- 
position, on the occasion of the banquet given to the commercial 
travelers in response to the toast, " The Arkansas Exposition : " 

"But I need not speak to you to-night of the Exposition, gentlemen, 
the Exposition speaks for itself, in tones distinct and clear, with no 
dubious or uncertain sound, but in words that go ringing across and 
around the continent, that at last 'the promised land has been found.' 
The Exposition, not I, speaks with the golden notes of its yellow corn. 
It speaks with the silvery tones of its snow-white cotton. It speaks 
with the mellow voice of its peerless apples. It speaks with the mur- 
muring whispers of its varied cereals and waving grains. It speaks 
with the myriad voices of its agricultural productions. It speaks with 
the clang of its mining pick and its geological hammer. It speaks with 
the sparkling bubbles of its purple vines. It speaks with the skillful 
brush of the artist's hand. It speaks with the busy whirr of its manu- 
factories. It speaks with the trained and intelligent voice of its educa- 
tional departments. It speaks with the grand old anthems of its eternal 
forests. It speaks with the sweet song of the handi-work of its fair and 
beautiful daughters. It speaks, to-day, with the resonant, joyous sounds 
of trade and commerce, blended into harmony by the enlightened 
voices of her enterprising commercial travelers. And all these notes 
and sounds, and songs, and anthems flow and mingle and swell into one 
long, grand and exalted chorus of the developments of the resources 
and the progress of the State of Arkansas. Thus the Exposition speaks 
for itself, and I stand silent amidst the grand melody of its prolonged 
refrain. But, gentlemen, I give in response to this toast, the Commer- 
cial Traveler, the prince of trade, who dethroned the old ' Arkansaw 
Traveler.' " 



Two JWiititiofl Acres 

=■•**** *z*( 2,000,000.)* * * * * * "~ 



OF 



Eerjile Arming 



AND 



:XCELLENT GRAZING 

LAN DS 



-i- ***** * m ¥ a %■ a ^^^ ****** 



AND THE- 



Finest Timber Lands in the United States. 



FOR SALE CHEAP? 



-t-*****l-flK «iUI *■ I 1 l-H t- MX V** * * * * «- 



$1 Louig, Iwm NJounfcain ^ ^oufchern ^j, 

AND 

Little I(oc\ ^ Ft. gmith R^. 



-»,.. . unnnrss OR CALL ON 



* * * * * 



THOS. ESSEX, T. M. GIBSON, 

Land Commissioner, St. L, I. M. & S. R'j. Land Commissioner, L. R. & Ft. S. R'p 

IylTTLE ROCK, ARK. 



VALUABLE ASSISTANCE. 

The following Traveling and Passenger Agents of the Missouri Pacific Railway and 
Iron Mountain Route are constantly looking after the interests of the Line, and will call 
upon parties contemplating a trip, and cheerfully furnish them lowest rates of Fare, 
Maps, Guides, Time Tables, etc. 

Or they may be addressed as follows : 

ATCHISON, KAS.— C. E. Styles Passenger and Ticket Agent. 

BOSTON, MASS.— A. H. Torricelli New England Agent, 214 Washington St. 

L. E. Chalenor New England Trav. Agent, 214 Washington St. 

CAIRO, ILL.— J. W. Mason Passenger Agent. 

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.— A. A. Gallagher Southern Pass. Agent, 103 Read House. 

CHICAGO, ILL.— John E. Ennis..... Traveling Land and Pass. Agent, 199 S. Clark St. 

H. S. Christopher Traveling Passenger Agent, 199 S. Clark St. 

CINCINNATI", OHIO— N. R. Warwick District Passenger Agent, 131 Vine St. 

DENVER, COLO.— Geo. W. Cook General Western Freight and Passenger Agent. 

C. E. Hooper Traveling Passenger Agent. 

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— Coke Alexander District Pass. Agent, 7 Jackson Place. 

JACKSON, MICH.— H. D. Armstrong Traveling Passenger Agent. 

KANSAS CITY, MO.— E. S. Jewett Passenger and Ticket Agent, 533 Main St. 

J. H. Lyon Western Passenger Agent, 533 Main St. 

LEAVENWORTH, KAN— J. N. Joerger Passenger and Ticket Agent. 

LINCOLN, NEB.— R. P. R. Millar General Agent. 

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.— J. A. WooDSON...Asst. Gen'l Freight & Pass. Agt., L.R. & Ft.S.Ry. 

LOUISVILLE, KY.— L. E. Drake Southern Traveling Agent, 426 Main St. 

MEMPHIS, TENN.— H. D. Wilson Passenger and Ticket Agent, 309 Main St. 

NEW YORK CITY— W. E. Hoyt Eastern Passenger Agent, 391 Broadwav. 

J. P. McCnn Eastern Traveling Agent, 391 Broadway. 

G. K. Delahanty City Passenger Agent, 391 Broadway. 

OMAHA, NEB.— J. O. Phillippi Assistant General Freight and Passenger Agent. 

Thos. F. Godfrey. ..Pass, and Tkt. Agt., N. E. cor. 13th & Farnam Sts. 
G. E. DoRRiNGTON...Trav. Pass. Agent, N. E. cor. 13th and Farnam Sts. 

PITTSBURG, PENN.— S. H. Thompson Central Passenger Agent, 1119 Liberty St. 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— A. B. Judkins Traveling Passenger and Land Agent. 

ST. JOSEPH, MO.— W. G. Wilkins Passenger and Ticket Agent. 

ST. LOUIS, MO.— S. W. Elliott I City Ticket Agent, 102 N. Fourth St. 

H. Lihou i Ticket Agent, Union Depot. 

M. Griffin I .City Passenger Agent, 102 N. Fourth St. 

W. H. Morton Passenger and Emigration Agent, Union Depot. 

J. C. Lewis !\.. Traveling Land and Passenger Agent. 

J. C. Nicholas .(..General Baggage Agent, Union Depot. 

WICHITA, KAN.— E. E. Bleckley Passenger and Ticket Agent, 137 N. Main St. 

S. H. H. CLARK, W. H. NEWMAN, 

1st Vice-President and Gen'l Manager. 3d Vice-President. 

H. C. TOWNSEND, 
General Passenger and Ticket Agent. 

St. Lolts, Mo. 



J\ISS0UR5_ 



CHEAT SOUTHWEST 

SYSTEM, 

CONNECTING THE GREAT COMMERCIAL CENTERS AND RICH 

FARMS OF 

MISSOURI, 

THE BROAD CORN AND WHEAT FIELDS AND THRIVING TOWNS OF 

KHNSHS, 

THE FERTILE RIVER VALLEYS AND TRADE CENTERS OF 

NEBRMSKH, 

THE GRAND, PICTURESQUE AND ENCHANTING SCENERY, AND 
THE FAMOUS MINING DISTRICTS OF 

COLORHDO, 

THE AGRICULTURAL, FRUIT, MINERAL AND TIMBER LANDS. AND 
FAMOUS HOT SPRINGS OF 

HRKHNSHS, 

THE BEAUTIFUL ROLLING PRAIRIES AND WOODLANDS OF THE 

INDIHN TERRITORY, 

THE SUGAR PLANTATIONS OF 

LOUISIANA, 

THE COTTON AND GRAIN FIELDS, THE CATTLE RANGES AND 

, WINTER RESORTS OF 

TEXHS, 

HISTORICAL AND SCENIC 

OLD HND NEW MEXICO, 

AND FORMS WITH ITS CONNECTIONS THE POPULAR WINTER 

ROUTE TO 

HRIZONH HND CHLIFORNIH. 



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